2024-12-11 01:18:00
The surrounding areas of Malibu, a city located near Los Angeles, on the west coast of the United States, are devastated by a fire which has led to the evacuation of thousands of people. According to Cal fire, California’s state forest fire agency, more than 1,000 hectares, including luxury residences in this area frequented by celebrities and billionaires, have already gone up in smoke.
The fire broke out on Monday evening and,thanks to the wind and very dry vegetation,continues to advance. All schools in Malibu “they are closed today, december 10th, until further notice”said the authorities on the city’s X account, inviting “Residents and visitors should stay away from the area while the fire continues to pose a meaningful threat.”. More than 700 firefighters are battling the blaze, aided by a fleet of bomber planes.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, 18,000 people and more than 8,000 properties are located in the area affected by the fire, which has been given the name Franklin.The sheriff’s deputies arrived Monday evening “door to door” to evacuate residents. About 2,000 properties in eastern Malibu were issued a mandatory evacuation order, while people living in another 6,000 properties were advised to leave.
A firefighting helicopter in Malibu, California, December 10, 2024.
Actor Dick Van Dyke evacuated
Monday evening, “we were fully surrounded” from the fire, a resident told local TV station KTLA.“It was around 11pm. We heard people screaming, I went outside and the sky was luminous red. In forty-five minutes the fire reached the bottom of the hill, and an hour later we were surrounded by flames: on one side the houses were burning, on the other the ridge was burning.And around us, the mountain. The situation started to get scary.”explains the resident himself.
Among the displaced, the former cinema glory Dick Van Dyke, 98 years old, famous in particular for his role in Mary Poppins (1964) and countless television series: «Arlene [son épouse] and evacuated our animals safely, except for one cat that escaped as we were leaving. We pray that we make it through and that our community survives these terrible fires.”he wrote on Facebook.
Pepperdine University announced it on its website having suspended all classes and exams on Tuesday. Videos posted on social networks show plumes of smoke and flames in front of a library where students wearing protective masks have taken refuge.
Much of the southern part of the state is under a red warning from the US Weather Service (NWS), with gusty winds and low humidity increasing the risk of wildfires. After two rainy winters that offered relative respite, California is experiencing a very active fire season this year. This summer, the “Golden State” has suffered several heat waves, signs of global warming. In July-August, the state experienced the fourth largest wildfire in its history.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Wildfire Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning and thank you for joining us today. We’re currently witnessing a devastating wildfire in Malibu, California, and I know you are an expert in wildfire management and prevention. Can you give us an overview of the current situation and its implications?
Wildfire Expert (WE): Good morning, and thank you for having me. The situation in Malibu is indeed alarming. As of now, the fire, named Franklin, has already consumed over 1,000 hectares of land, including luxury homes in an area known for its high-profile residents. The combination of dry vegetation and strong winds has exacerbated the fire’s spread, threatening thousands of lives and properties.
TNE: It sounds incredibly challenging for the firefighters involved. How many fire resources are currently deployed, and what are the biggest challenges they face?
WE: Over 700 firefighters are working tirelessly, supported by bomber planes. One of the biggest challenges they face is the unpredictable wind patterns that can change rapidly, altering the fire’s direction and intensity. This unpredictability complicates both suppression efforts and evacuation plans.
TNE: Speaking of evacuations, local authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for around 2,000 homes while advising another 6,000 to prepare for potential evacuation. how effective are these emergency evacuations in situations like this?
WE: Emergency evacuations can be lifesaving,but they need to be executed efficiently. In this case,the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is doing door-to-door notifications,which is crucial for ensuring that residents are alerted in a timely manner. The effectiveness largely depends on clear interaction and residents’ responsiveness to the orders.
TNE: Given that the Malibu area attracts many visitors as well as residents, how do fires like this impact not only the community but also the local economy?
WE: Fires of this magnitude can have long-term ramifications. Initially, there are immediate costs associated with firefighting and emergency response. In the long run, diminished property values, disrupted tourism, and strained local resources can substantially impact the economy.Malibu, with its celebrity residences and tourist attractions, may face a considerable economic downturn if fires continue to threaten the area.
TNE: With climate change playing a role in increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires,how can communities better prepare for such events in the future?
WE: prevention and preparedness are key. communities must invest in fire-resistant infrastructure, enforce stricter building codes, and develop comprehensive fire management plans. Public awareness campaigns about creating defensible space around properties, emergency preparedness, and evacuation routes are essential for ensuring safety in the event of a wildfire.
TNE: Thanks for those insights. what message would you like to convey to the residents and visitors of Malibu during this crisis?
WE: My message is one of caution and readiness. If you are in the area or planning to visit, please heed all evacuation orders and alerts from local authorities. Your safety comes frist. Additionally, for residents, having an emergency plan and being prepared can make all the difference in these critical situations.
TNE: Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. Let’s hope for a swift response to bring this wildfire under control.
WE: Thank you for having me. Let’s all stay safe and work together to protect our communities.