The 1,500 California firefighters working in this upscale city in western California are struggling to contain the fire, which broke out Monday evening and continues to progress this Wednesday, December 11. More than 1,150 hectares have already been burned.
Baywatch. A fire is spreading rapidly in this city in Los Angeles County, where many celebrities reside, threatening buildings and prompting evacuations, local authorities announced. The fire broke out Monday evening and continues to progress in the upscale municipality located west of LA, wedged between the Pacific and the heavily wooded hinterland, where it has already covered more than 1,150 hectares this Wednesday December 11 in the morning.
More than 20,000 people were ordered to evacuate, firefighters said. Local authorities are making “door to door” to help evacuate residents, the municipality said.
Among the evacuees, there is notably the former cinema glory Dick Van Dyke, 99 years old, famous in particular for his role in Mary Poppins (1964) and countless television series: «Arlene [son épouse, NDLR] and I evacuated our animals safely, except for one cat who escaped as we were leaving. We pray that he recovers and that our community survives these terrible fires.”he wrote on Facebook.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, aided by a fleet of water-bombing planes, Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.
All Malibu Schools “are closed today, December 10, until further notice”authorities said on the city’s X account, calling on “Residents and visitors to stay away from the area as long as the fire continues to pose a significant threat”.
Pepperdine University announced on X that it had suspended all classes and exams on Tuesday. Videos broadcast show plumes of smoke and flames in front of a library where students wearing protective masks have taken refuge.
Many Hollywood celebrities reside on this coastline, one of the most desirable areas in California. Much of the south of the state is placed on red alert by the US Weather Service (NWS), with gusty winds and low humidity increasing the risk of fires, which are very present this year in the state.
After two rainy winters which offered a relative respite, California is experiencing a very active fire season this year. This summer, the “Golden State” suffered from several heat waves, signs of global warming. In July-August, the State suffered the fourth largest fire in its history.
Update : this Wednesday, December 11 at 6:56 a.m., with new reports of evacuations and hectares burned.
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