Approximately 3,700 Malibu residents evacuated due to the Franklin Fire were allowed to return home on Thursday as firefighters made significant progress in containing the blaze, which has destroyed at least six homes in the celebrity-favored beach community.
The wildfire, which erupted Monday, has burned through 4,037 acres (1,664 hectares) of rugged terrain in the coastal city northwest of Los Angeles. By Thursday evening, containment had increased to 30%, up from 20% earlier in the day, according to Cal Fire.
“Getting 3,700 residents back into their homes is a big win,” said Dusty Martin, an incident commander with Cal Fire, during a public forum. “However, the work is far from over,” he added, noting that 1,600 people remain displaced.
The fire has impacted over 22,000 people, with 5,600 homes and an additional 2,000 structures located within the fire zone. Deputy Fire Chief Albert Yanagisawa of Los Angeles County reported that six homes and six minor structures were destroyed, while ten homes and one structure sustained damage.
Firefighters have been focused on protecting buildings in the secluded hills above the Pacific Ocean and reinforcing fire perimeter controls. Favorable weather conditions, including increased humidity and lighter winds, have aided their efforts.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Thousands of residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher, evacuated as schools and businesses temporarily closed.
While progress is being made, officials emphasized the importance of continued vigilance as containment efforts continue in the challenging terrain.
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