Southern California authorities reported a significant overnight increase in the size of a wind-driven wildfire in Malibu, forcing thousands, including celebrities Cher and Dick Van Dyke, from their homes. However, forecasters predict improved weather conditions will aid firefighters.
With much of Malibu under evacuation orders and warnings, residents anxiously await news of their homes’ safety. The fire, which began late Monday, had grown to over 6 square miles by Wednesday morning, with only 7% containment.
Over 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, some navigating steep canyons, others extinguishing flames around damaged structures.
Cal Fire cited the challenging terrain, strong winds, and low humidity as obstacles for firefighters.
The National Weather Service reported that the strongest wind gusts, reaching 40 mph, have subsided.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart stated at a Wednesday press conference that the situation is considerably improved compared to the previous 30 hours.
Despite the improving weather, forecasters warn of continued gusty winds, particularly in mountain areas, maintaining critical fire conditions. Santa Ana winds, known for their dry gusts, continue to pose a threat.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported a nearly 40% overnight increase in the fire’s size. At least 7,500 structures, mainly homes, are threatened, affecting at least 12,600 people under evacuation orders.
The devastation is largely concentrated in Malibu, a town of around 10,000 residents known for its coastline and proximity to Hollywood. Flames approached celebrities’ homes, horse farms, and a local university, where some students sheltered in place before evacuating.
A preliminary assessment indicated minimal structural damage to the university campus. While fire activity lessened, some flames remained visible.
The fire’s cause remains unknown. Chief Marrone stated seven structures were destroyed and nine damaged.
Due to the fire’s proximity, Malibu City Hall relocated emergency operations to nearby Calabasas.
Malibu has experienced numerous major fires, creating a familiar cycle of burning and regrowth.
The mayor emphasized the community’s resilience.
Dick Van Dyke, a Malibu resident, detailed his and his wife’s evacuation on Facebook, noting that one of their cats remains missing.
Cher also evacuated her Malibu home and is currently staying at a hotel, according to her publicist.
The fire began shortly before 11 p.m. Monday, rapidly spreading south, crossing the Pacific Coast Highway, and reaching the ocean. While flames threatened the Malibu Pier, it was ultimately protected.
Power outages affected approximately 40,000 customers, including 11,000 in Los Angeles County, due to Southern California Edison’s preventative measures in response to the Santa Ana winds. According to spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas, power was shut off to most Malibu customers around 6 or 7 p.m. Monday.
The 2018 Malibu fire, which resulted in three fatalities and 1,600 destroyed homes, was attributed to Edison equipment.
Kasey Earnest, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, expressed concern for lower- and middle-class families, ranchers, and farmers in the community.
She described these residents as “the heart of Malibu,” emphasizing their ordinary lives.
Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; Amy Taxin in Orange County, California; Gabriela Aoun in San Diego; and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; contributed to this report.
