Firefighters made progress Wednesday in containing the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, aided by improved weather conditions. The wildfire, which began Monday, has scorched over 4,000 acres (1,620 hectares), destroyed nine buildings, and damaged six others. Approximately 6,300 residents evacuated as schools and businesses closed. Nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, which was 7% contained as of Wednesday night.
The rugged, steep terrain northwest of Los Angeles has hindered containment efforts. Cal Fire Assistant Chief Dusty Martin said it would take several more days to fully control the fire. “We saw the weather moderate, which allowed us to have a lot of success around the fire today,” Martin said at a press conference. Crews concentrated on one canyon, with helicopters dropping water, while exhausted firefighters rested at nightfall, their faces dust-covered.
Authorities lifted a red flag warning that had been in effect, signaling a reduced risk of rapid fire spread. The exclusive beachside community of Malibu, home to many celebrities, lies about 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Los Angeles. Actor Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, confirmed on social media that he and his wife evacuated safely, though one of their pets, Bobo, remains missing.
Approximately 22,000 people have been affected by the fire, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Captain Jennifer Seetoo. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, and the fire’s cause remains under investigation.
Also read: Trump Names Andrew Ferguson as FTC Chair, Pledges Big Tech Crackdown
