Thousands of people had to be evacuated. On Tuesday, around fifteen buildings were burned or damaged. Schools closed and students at Pepperdine University were forced into emergency shelters. The university suspended classes and exams. Videos broadcast show plumes of smoke and flames in front of a library where students wearing protective masks have taken refuge. Ten thousand people are also without electricity, due to preventive cuts for security reasons.
Very active fire season
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, aided by a fleet of water bomber planes. Approximately 2,000 properties in East Malibu have been issued a mandatory evacuation order. People living in another 6,000 properties have been advised to leave. Among the evacuees, former cinema star Dick Van Dyke, 99, famous for his role in Mary Poppins, as well as his wife Arlene. “We evacuated our animals safely, except for one cat who escaped as we were leaving. We pray that he survives and that our community survives these terrible fires.”he said on Facebook.
The fire broke out during the night from Monday to Tuesday and, helped by the wind and very dry vegetation, continued to progress. Much of Southern California is also placed on red alert by the US Weather Service because gusty winds and low humidity increase the risk of fires.
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 climate change. In July-August, the state suffered the fourth largest fire in its history.
