Authorities have ordered the evacuation of approximately 6,000 residents as firefighters tackle a fast-moving wildfire near Malibu, California, home to many Hollywood celebrities.
Dubbed the Franklin Fire, the blaze poses a serious threat to residential areas, according to Sky News.
The fire erupted late Monday night north of Malibu, but its cause remains unknown. So far, it has scorched over 725 hectares of vegetation and is being fueled by strong winds, with gusts expected to reach up to 65 kilometers per hour.
To mitigate risks, power in the area has been shut off due to the notorious Santa Ana winds, also known as “devil winds,” which are dry, warm, and powerful gusts that frequently strike Southern California in the fall and winter months, blowing inland toward the coast.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Tuesday, indicating an “especially dangerous situation” in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The fire has spread close to Pepperdine University, a private Christian institution, prompting the suspension of classes. Students and staff were advised to shelter in the library or on campus. While the university later confirmed that the immediate danger had passed, smaller fires continued to burn nearby. These blazes, however, are not currently threatening any buildings or lives.
