Malibu wildfire/ Santa Ana winds/ California wildfire news/ celebrity evacuations/ Pepperdine fire response/ MALIBU/ Calif./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A wind-driven wildfire in Malibu has grown to over 6 square miles, forcing thousands of residents, including celebrities like Cher and Dick Van Dyke, to evacuate. The fire remains only 7% contained, threatening over 7,500 structures. While weather conditions have slightly improved, firefighters continue battling flames in rugged terrain, and critical fire conditions persist.
Malibu Wildfire Quick Looks
- Fire Size: Over 6 square miles burned, 7% containment as of Wednesday morning.
- Evacuations: 12,600 people displaced, including Malibu residents and Pepperdine University students.
- Damage: Seven structures destroyed, nine damaged; over 7,500 structures threatened.
- Weather Impact: Santa Ana winds have eased, but critical fire conditions remain.
- Notable Evacuations: Celebrities like Cher and Dick Van Dyke left their homes for safety.
Santa Ana Winds Fuel Malibu Blaze as Firefighters Battle Growing Wildfire
Deep Look
A wildfire driven by fierce Santa Ana winds has engulfed over 6 square miles of Malibu, California, threatening thousands of structures and forcing widespread evacuations. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was only 7% contained, with over 1,500 firefighters deployed to battle the flames.
Fire’s Spread and Challenges
The wildfire erupted late Monday and rapidly spread, fueled by dry conditions and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. By Wednesday morning, the blaze had grown nearly 40% overnight, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to rugged terrain, strong winds, and low humidity.
Cal Fire officials emphasized the unpredictable nature of the fire, noting that winds could still pose a threat despite some easing of the Santa Ana conditions. “The deep and rugged terrain, along with strong winds and low humidity, continue to pose challenges for firefighters,” Cal Fire stated.
Evacuations and Threats
Evacuation orders affected 12,600 people, including residents of Malibu’s seaside mansions and horse farms, as well as students at Pepperdine University. Roughly 3,000 students sheltered in place on campus, relocating to the library through smoke and ash as flames approached nearby canyons.
Malibu City Hall was evacuated, with emergency operations relocated to Calabasas. The fire’s rapid progression also led to power outages for over 40,000 customers, including 11,000 in Los Angeles County.
Residents faced uncertainty about the fate of their homes. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart reassured evacuees, highlighting the community’s resilience: “It burns, it grows back, and we’re resilient and strong.”
Celebrity Evacuations
Malibu, home to numerous celebrities, saw several notable residents flee the advancing flames.
- Dick Van Dyke shared that he and his wife, Arlene Silver, evacuated safely with most of their animals but expressed worry for their missing cat, Bobo. “We’re praying he’ll be OK,” Van Dyke posted on Facebook.
- Cher, who has long owned property in Malibu, evacuated to a nearby hotel, her publicist confirmed.
Fire’s Origins and Damage
Officials are still investigating the cause of the wildfire, which ignited just before 11 p.m. Monday. Flames quickly jumped the Pacific Coast Highway and reached the ocean, threatening Malibu Pier before firefighters secured the structure.
Community Concerns
While Malibu is often associated with celebrity wealth, the community includes a diverse mix of residents. Kasey Earnest, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, highlighted the challenges facing middle- and lower-income families in the area.
“They’re just normal families — nobody’s landing a helicopter on their property,” Earnest said, emphasizing the wildfire’s disproportionate impact on these residents, including ranchers and farmers.
Looking Ahead
Although the most intense Santa Ana winds have passed, forecasters warn that critical fire conditions will persist, particularly in mountainous regions. Firefighters remain focused on protecting threatened structures and containing the wildfire before it expands further.
The incident has revived memories of the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which devastated Malibu, killing three people and destroying 1,600 homes. As communities brace for more intense wildfire seasons driven by climate change, the current blaze underscores the urgency of fire prevention and preparedness in California’s most vulnerable regions.
