Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is where the stories are unfolding. Whether we’re investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing ‘The A Word,’ the latest documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to analyze the facts. Messaging.
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the field. Your donations allow us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across politics. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans’ reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, and those who can afford it should pay for it.
Your support makes a big difference.
A fast-spreading wildfire has burned more than 4,000 acres in Malibu and forced 20,000 residents to evacuate as flames race toward homes, horse farms and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire, another year-end wildfire fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, left a trail of destruction, with officials confirming nine structures were destroyed and six damaged. Fire officials said it would take “several days” to extinguish the fire, according to NBC Los Angeles. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The strongest winds in the region have passed and meteorologists said the high fire risk will be reduced, which will help fight the blazes. The evacuation forced thousands of residents, including celebrities Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart called it a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city as emergency operations were moved to Calabasas after City Hall was threatened. “It burns and grows back and we are resilient,” he said.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, with many roads closed and others under security patrols. At Pepperdine University, 3,000 students were evacuated as smoke and embers blanketed the campus. “There was ash everywhere, embers everywhere,” said student Bethany Kronlund.
Plumes of smoke from the Franklin Fire can be seen from 25 miles away.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 17:30
Dick Van Dyke’s orange cat Bobo has been found.
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke and his wife Arlene were able to return home after being evacuated from the Franklin Fire in Malibu.
The house was found safe and his orange cat, Bobo, was reported to be safe.
Bobo escaped while the couple fled the flames.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 16:43
Helicopter footage shows the Franklin Fire spreading rapidly in Malibu.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 16:30
Dick Van Dyke suffered tragic loss during Malibu wildfire evacuation: ‘We’re praying’
Actor Dick Van Dyke said Thursday he was “exhausted” trying to escape the Malibu Franklin fire.
“It was coming from the hill, and you could see it.” mary poppins the star said NBC’stoday show. “And oh my god, we got out of here. “I tried to crawl to the car, but I was so exhausted I couldn’t get up.”
He said his neighbors ‘saved’ him.
“Three neighbors came and took me away, then came back and put out some fire in the guesthouse and saved me,” recalled Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 15:55
LA County Mayor: “The city will overcome this together”
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart assured residents the city would be with them Wednesday night.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the community members who have lost their homes in this disaster,” he told reporters. News briefing.
“We will get through this together, and the city will be with you every step of the way.”
Los Angeles County officials say about 20,000 residents are low-income residents. Evacuation Order or Warning 6,300 people were evacuated.
Fire Chief Albert Yanagisawa announced that nine structures were destroyed.
“We know it can be difficult to hear updates,” he said.
“As we look forward to what lies ahead, we want to make sure that getting our citizens back home is our top priority,” said Cal Fire’s Dusty Martin. “But if we’re going to do that, we have to make sure the area is safe before we let people back in.”
Martin said 1,974 personnel were fighting terrorism. Fire burns more than 4,000 acres. The forest fire suppression rate is only 7%.
He explained that the challenging area is west of the fire, but the wind direction was expected to change on Thursday.
Wind gusts could reach 20 mph, he said.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 15:31
Southern California Edison says power has been restored to customers.
Amid improving weather conditions, Southern California Edison said Thursday that power had been restored to customers in the Malibu area and traffic signals were functional after windy weather caused temporary power outages. blackout, MyNewsLA.com It has been reported.
Despite the recovery, the city said evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.
According to , there are currently just over 6,000 customers without power in the state. Power outage.US.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 15:14
The red flag warning has ended, but danger remains across Southern California.
The danger warning has ended for areas affected by the Franklin Fire, but forecasters say temporary hazardous conditions will persist into the evening for southwestern Santa Barbara County and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Beach Hazard Statement It was in effect for the region until Sunday afternoon, including the Malibu coast and Los Angeles County beaches. Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves, as well as coastal and tidal flooding, are expected due to waves as high as 4 to 6 feet.
“The risk of ocean drowning is increasing. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves could sweep people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore,” the National Weather Service said.
And a storm off the Oregon coast will bring breezy coastal winds and a chance of light rain to northern areas and mountains.
Friday is expected to be dry, but we are watching another system expected to impact over the weekend.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 14:36
