Groups of firefighters fight by air and on land a ferocious forest fire that is spreading rapidly through the exclusive resort of Malibuon the American west coast, where thousands of people received evacuation orders.
The fire named “Franklin” broke out on Monday night and until Tuesday morning had consumed more than 900 hectares in Malibu, located on the coast of the state of California and wich is home to luxurious mansions of Hollywood celebrities and millionaires.
Despite the efforts of firefighters, the fire is out of control, reported the authorities of that city, near Los Angeles and located between the Pacific Ocean and a series of hills.
About 18,000 people and 8,100 buildings are under threat from the flames, the sheriff of Los angeles County said. Los AngelesRobert Luna,who urged the population to obey evacuation orders without hesitation.
Earlier, firefighters had reported in their latest report that the evacuation of more than 6,000 people was ordered, that is, more than half of the city.
images of huge columns of smoke clouding the city circulate on social networks, while its residents recount the dramatic first moments of the fire.
“at around 11 at night we heard people screaming. I came out and saw the sky burning red. After 45 minutes I whent down the hills, and an hour later we were entirely surrounded: the houses burning on one side, the mountain range on the other,” he added.
Another resident told the channel that “I opened my window and the back of my house was charred.”
“I ran and picked everyone up, put them in the car and got them out of there,” he added.
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“Stay alert”
Pepperdine University,near the area of the accident in Malibu,was surrounded by flames and about 800 students who were there had to take refuge in the facility,prepared for that purpose according to the authorities.
The students, who wore protective masks, shared dramatic images of an orange sky taken from the windows on social networks.
Classes at the university and other educational centers in the area were suspended until further notice.
Some 48 thousand people are without electricity as service is affected due to the flames.
Authorities opened two temporary shelters for evacuees, closed several roads and deployed a door-to-door operation to urge residents to evacuate the danger area.
“Don’t worry about someone breaking into (your homes) and taking something,” Sheriff Luna said Tuesday. “we are not going to allow that to happen,” he stressed.
The chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Anthony Marrone, assured that “a minimal number” of houses were destroyed by the flames.
For his part, California Governor Gavin Newsom guaranteed resources for operations and urged residents in the danger zone to “remain alert and follow evacuation instructions.”
The causes of the fierce fire in Malibu are still being investigated.
As explained by the authorities, the current drought and the so-called “santa Ana winds” – strong, dry gusts characteristic of California – fan the embers and make combat difficult.
Also contributing to the rapid spread of the flames is the amount of branches, leaves and dry trees in the forests of the area after two winters with remarkable temperatures in the western United states.
Climate change, exacerbated by human action, is another important factor that has resulted in the increasingly frequent oscillation of extreme phenomena: more severe and ferocious fires, more intense droughts and periods of heavier rain, among others.
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How can communities better prepare for wildfires and support emergency response efforts during a crisis?
Interview: Time.news Editor in Conversation with Firefighting Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, everyone! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter,a leading expert in wildfire management and prevention. We’re discussing the urgent situation unfolding in Malibu where the “Franklin” fire has already consumed over 900 hectares and led to evacuation orders for thousands of residents. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter (EC): Thank you for having me. It’s a critical situation, and I’m glad to discuss it.
TNE: Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain how fires like “Franklin” can spread so rapidly, especially in areas like Malibu?
EC: certainly. Coastal areas like Malibu often have unique topographical and climatic conditions that exacerbate wildfire risks. The combination of dry vegetation, strong winds, and elevated temperatures can create perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly. In this instance, the fire likely faced minimal resistance due to an abundance of dry brush, which is common in the region.
TNE: you mentioned strong winds—how do they affect the firefighting efforts on the ground and in the air?
EC: Winds are a double-edged sword. While they can help firefighting aircraft to drop water or fire retardant more effectively by carrying the materials deeper into the wildfire, they can also change the direction of the fire rapidly, creating unpredictable flare-ups.This makes it difficult for ground crews to contain the blaze and necessitates constant adjustments to strategy.
TNE: With thousands of residents receiving evacuation orders, what are some key strategies that emergency services employ during such critical evacuations?
EC: Effective evacuation strategies are crucial to saving lives. Emergency services often prioritize interaction—sending out alerts thru various channels such as text messages, local news, and social media. They may also use reverse 911 systems to ensure that residents are informed of the urgency. Creating predetermined evacuation routes is essential, as these help ease the flow of traffic and ensure safety.
TNE: As an expert, what improvements do you believe are necessary in terms of wildfire response and management, especially in areas prone to such disasters?
EC: There are several areas of betterment. First, investing in advanced predictive modeling can enhance our understanding of wildfire behavior with real-time data. Second, there’s a need for better land management practices to reduce fuel loads through controlled burns and maintaining defensible space around properties. an increase in community preparedness and education can empower residents to take proactive measures ahead of fire season.
TNE: Speaking of community preparedness, how vital is it for homeowners in fire-prone areas like Malibu to have their own plans in place?
EC: It’s absolutely vital. Homeowners should have an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and a go-bag with essential items. They also need to familiarize themselves with local fire regulations and take steps to create defensible space around their homes, such as using fire-resistant building materials and maintaining landscaping that minimizes fire risk.
TNE: As the situation develops, what can residents do to support firefighting efforts if they are safe?
EC: Communities can support emergency responders by staying informed, adhering to evacuation orders, and avoiding areas where firefighting operations are underway. They can also help by spreading awareness about fire prevention and cooperating with officials to make sure resources are efficiently utilized.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. We hope for a swift and safe resolution to the “Franklin” fire and appreciate the hard work of all those involved in firefighting efforts.
EC: Thank you for having me. let’s all stay safe and responsible.
TNE: And to our readers, be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.