Wildfire in Malibu threatens homes, celebrities evacuate
A massive wildfire in Southern California has prompted evacuation orders and warnings for thousands of residents.
For two days, firefighters have battled the blaze, which has been fueled by strong winds and now threatens homes and properties in Malibu. Among those forced to evacuate are notable celebrities, including legendary actor Dick Van Dyke, aged 99, and singer Cher.
The fire has left a trail of destruction, charring homes, vehicles, and buses. Over 1,200 hectares of forest and seven residences in this affluent area, home to many celebrities and billionaires, have been consumed by flames, according to officials.
Robert Luna, an official from Los Angeles, reported, “Approximately 18,000 people and over 8,000 properties are in the affected area. Of these, over 2,000 have been evacuated, and more than 6,000 are under evacuation warnings.”
More than 1,500 firefighters, supported by a fleet of water-dropping aircraft, are working to contain the fire. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized the urgency: “Time is critical for us to control and begin isolating the wildfire.”
The fire, which ignited Monday evening, intensified rapidly, leading to school closures, road blockages, and localized power outages to prevent further incidents. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area until the danger subsides.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture. Evacuee Jonn Constantine described the scene: “Last night felt like a movie. I couldn’t believe such devastation was happening. The fire was the most dangerous and incredible I’ve ever seen. Palm trees burned like candles.”
Volunteers have joined hundreds of firefighters in combating the inferno. Malibu resident Rivers Redclay remarked, “The smoke was so dense, visibility was zero. It was chaos, but the community came together to fight for this land.”
This wildfire is part of a growing crisis in California, driven by climate change. Earlier this summer, the state endured multiple heatwaves and its fourth-largest wildfire on record.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
