Cher and Dick Van Dyke among celebrities forced to evacuate as Franklin wildfire devastates Malibu
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: The Franklin Fire continues to wreak havoc in Malibu, California, forcing several high-profile residents, including Cher and Dick Van Dyke, to flee from their homes.
The wildfire, which began on Monday, December 9, has already consumed nearly 4,000 acres, prompting widespread evacuations and warnings for over 20,000 residents, according to The New York Times.
Cher safely evacuates Malibu, California home
Cher’s representative confirmed that the music icon evacuated her Malibu home early Tuesday morning, December 10.
Following the evacuation, the representative said, “She thankfully is safe,” according to People.
Dick Van Dyke searches for missing cat amid evacuation
Dick Van Dyke, 82, also evacuated with his wife, Arlene Silver, and their animals.
However, the couple faced an emotional challenge as their orange cat, Bobo, escaped during the evacuation process.
“Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo,” Van Dyke shared on Facebook on Tuesday, December 10.
“We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires,” the legendary entertainer added.
Van Dyke also posted a video of Bobo on Facebook, captioned, “Hoping Bobo is ok.”
Mira Sorvino joins evacuation efforts
Mira Sorvino, 57, revealed that she evacuated her Malibu home during the middle of the night with her children and pets.
“All my Malibu friends and neighbors I pray that you are safe,” the actress wrote in a heartfelt post on X.
“Scary times!!” she shared.
All my Malibu friends and neighbors I pray that you are safe. We evacuated in the middle of the night, kids and pets all accounted for! Scary times!!
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) December 10, 2024
Mark Hamill gives update on Malibu wildfire
Mark Hamill took to Instagram to share an update on going into lockdown following the wildfire.
"We're in lockdown because of the Malibu fires," the 'Star Wars' actor wrote.
"Please stay safe everyone! I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle,” he shared.
View this post on Instagram
Officials on Malibu wildfire’s progress
The Franklin Fire has been driven by strong winds, creating a dangerous and rapidly shifting situation.
On Wednesday, December 11, officials expressed cautious optimism as weather conditions began to improve.
“We’re far better off this morning than we were in the last 30-plus hours,” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said, according to CNN.
"The city had to move its emergency operations to Calabasas on Tuesday because of the fire threat to City Hall," added Stewart.
Despite this, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned of continued risks, saying, “Up until this point, it’s been a wind-driven fire. If the wind changes direction, we’re going to have the fire moving into new areas."
The red flag warnings remain in effect, underscoring the ongoing threat to homes and lives in the region.
