A fast-moving wildfire in Malibu, California, has forced thousands of residents, including celebrities like Dick Van Dyke and Cher, to evacuate their homes. The Franklin Fire, which broke out on Monday, has burned over 3,000 acres and destroyed several homes, with many others damaged. Currently, the blaze is 0% contained, leading to mandatory evacuations for much of Malibu, and hundreds of personnel are deployed to combat the fire.

The fire started in Malibu Canyon and spread quickly, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. Among those in the evacuation zone are celebrities like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, shared on Facebook that he and his wife safely evacuated with their pets, except for one cat named Bobo, who remains missing. Witnesses reported that a neighbor's home caught fire, but Van Dyke's home was untouched. Cher and Barbra Streisand have also had to flee the area, though Streisand's publicist has stated it is unclear whether she has evacuated.

The fire has left a trail of destruction, including burnt-out cars and buses, as well as charred homes. Authorities reported that seven structures have been destroyed and eight others have been damaged. Daily life has been disrupted, with schools closed, roads shut down, and power outages implemented to prevent further spread of the fire. By Wednesday morning, tens of thousands of homes were without electricity. Evacuation centers have been set up for residents and animals, with over 5,000 people currently in the evacuation zone.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the region has been under a red-flag warning, indicating conditions that favor extreme fires. Wildfires are common in California, especially during the dry summer months. Scientists link the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires to climate change, which is making weather conditions conducive to wildfires, such as heat and drought, more likely. In recent years, the state has seen a significant increase in burned areas, with the extent of burnt land during the summer rising fivefold from 1996 to 2021 compared to the previous 24-year period.

As the fire continues to rage, officials warn that the situation is far from resolved. Federal assistance has been made available, and Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged support for those affected. The fire's impact on the community will be significant, displacing many residents and disrupting local businesses. The remnants of burnt-out vehicles and charred homes serve as a stark reminder of the devastating power of wildfires. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, residents are left to pick up the pieces and begin the process of rebuilding.