Malibu wildfire: Cher, Dick Van Dyke among 20k evacuees
Global News
More than 1,500 firefighters were battling the blaze, many working in steep canyons, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.
Weather conditions were forecast to improve in Southern California, aiding firefighters in their battle against a wind-driven wildfire that has forced up to 20,000 people, including Cher, Dick Van Dyke and his wife, from their homes.
Residents under evacuation orders and warnings waited anxiously to see whether their properties had been spared by the fire, which erupted late Monday and grew to more than 6 square miles (16 square kilometers) by Wednesday morning. It was just 7 per cent contained.
More than 1,500 firefighters were battling the blaze, many working in steep canyons, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.
“The deep and rugged terrain, along with the strong winds and low humidity, continue to pose challenges for firefighters,” Cal Fire said in an incident update Tuesday night.
The National Weather Service late Tuesday said the strongest Santa Ana winds, with gusts that reached 40 mph (64 kph), have passed. The notorious winds are withering, dry gusts that sweep out of the interior toward the coast, pushing back moist ocean breezes.
Even as the weather was expected to improve, forecasters said gusty winds will continue through Wednesday morning, especially in the mountains, and critical fire conditions remain.
Much of the devastation occurred in Malibu, a community of about 10,000 people on the western edge of Los Angeles known for its stunning seaside bluffs and Zuma Beach, which features in many Hollywood films. Flames burned near celebrities’ seaside mansions, horse farms and Pepperdine University, where about 3,000 students were forced to shelter in place on campus. Many evacuated their dorms to the library through smoke and ash as flames roared in the canyon nearby.
An early analysis showed little to no damage to structures on campus, the university said in an update Tuesday night. Fire activity was diminished, but some flames were still visible.
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