Los Angeles County has been engulfed in flames since Monday evening and thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. Among them, the former cinema glory and film figure Mary PoppinsDick Van Dyke.
Big alert in Malibu! The firefighters gave the order to evacuate, Monday, December 9, to more than 20,000 residents, including the few celebrities who populate Los Angeles County. The west of the Californian megalopolis has been the prey of a devastating fire over the past two days. The flames destroyed more than 1,150 hectares, as well as seven homes, according to local authorities. In this area, very popular with American stars due to its relatively preserved environment, is home to the actor Dick Van Dyke, notably known for his interpretation of Mr. Dawes Jr. in Mary Poppins (1964), and which will celebrate its 99e birthday on December 13.
Like thousands of people, he was forced to leave his home Monday evening. « My wife and I evacuated our pets safely, except for one cat which escaped as we were leavingwrote the American actor on the social network Facebook. We pray that he pulls through and that our Serra Retreat community survives these terrible fires. » The cat in question is called Bobo. Witnesses to the fire told American television channel KABC-TV that a house, located not far from the one belonging to Dick Van Dyke, caught fire. His would have remained intact.
Cher and Mira Sorvino also affected
Two other celebrities were reportedly affected. According to information from New York Times the singer Cher – interpreter ofAfter All (1989) et Believe (1998) – was forced to leave her home on Pacific Coast Highway. Her agent, Risa Shapiro, told the American daily that the 78-year-old singer had also, « sheltered his animals ». Monday evening, the artist would have taken refuge in a hotel away from danger.
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Cher – Believe (1998)
Actress Mira Sorvino, aged 57, won an Oscar in 1996 for her portrayal of Linda Ashe in Maudite Aphrodite (1995) and also famous for his roles in Romy and Michelle, 10 years later (1997) or A killer for target (1998), also left his house… and saved his animals! « I pray for my friends and neighbors in Malibu. I hope you are safe. We evacuated in the night with the children and the animals »wrote the American actress on social networks.
Hollywood sets under fire
The Franklin fire, as it is nicknamed, broke out Monday evening and ravaged more than 1,000 hectares of forests and habitable areas in less than 24 hours. The “Hollywood settings” of the town of Malibu were prized by the flames. Just like many celebrity second homes, horse farms and schools, for that matter « closed on December 10, until further notice », city authorities said.
« These 20 hours were traumatic for the city of Malibu »
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart
Eight structures were damaged, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone. « These 20 hours were traumatic for the city of Malibu »for his part lamented Doug Stewart, mayor of Malibu. According to the National Weather Service, conditions should improve in Southern California at the end of the week, with less violent wind gusts, which should facilitate the work of the 1,500 firefighters mobilized.
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