Named the Franklin Fire, the fire took only a few hours to consume everything on an area of 890 hectares, according to AFP citing a notice from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE). As of yesterday (December 11), 1,097 hectares of Malibu were attacked by fire.
Many properties in Malibu were destroyed by fire
At its peak, the fire spread at a terrifying speed, destroying an area five times the size of an American football field every minute and at least seven structures were burned to the ground, CNN reported. Veteran actor Dick Van Dyke (99 years old) and his wife Arlene had to flee home, according to a notice on his personal account. And actor Mark Hamill (74 years old) had to barricade himself in his house because the fire was too big. Authorities had to knock on doors late at night to warn people, and many roads in the city were blocked.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said on December 10 that the city had experienced 20 terrible hours. Due to the fire threatening Malibu City Hall, officials here had to temporarily move to neighboring Calabasas City to work. At a press conference yesterday morning (Vietnam time), Mr. Anthony Marrone, Director of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, continued to issue danger warnings for the entire area the fire passed through. The department has issued evacuation orders or warnings for 18,000 residents and 8,100 homes and businesses in Malibu. Luckily there were no casualties.
In addition, nearly 60,000 households in California lost power, mainly in San Diego County. Pepperdine University’s Malibu branch also lost power, and several buildings had to run generators.
