Malibu Wildfire Forces Thousands To Evacuate Their Homes With 2,000 Structures Under Threat: ‘Flames Are Everywhere’

A fast-moving wildfire in Malibu, CA, has forced thousands of people to evacuate as it rips through the celebrity enclave. About 2,600 acres have burned so far, and one home has been destroyed.

The eastern half of the city is under mandatory evacuation orders, affecting 6,000 people. Students and faculty at Pepperdine University were also ordered to shelter in place, and all Malibu schools have been closed.

Dubbed the Franklin Fire, it erupted in dry conditions late Monday evening and the cause is unknown. Fierce Santa Ana winds, reaching 50 to 80 mph, have firefighters battling to contain the blaze, which is threatening over 2,000 structures.

Malibu is home to roughly 11,000 residents, including many celebrities, like Beyoncé, Jay Z, Nicolas Cage, and model Karlie Kloss.

Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino was among the evacuees, writing on X: “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!!”

Residents of neighborhoods like Sweetwater Canyon and Serra Retreat—known for their secluded luxury homes—described the chaos of fleeing as hillsides ignited in fiery waves.

“Flames are everywhere,” Malibu resident Alp Toygar told the Los Angeles Times in the early morning. “People are running away in vehicles from Malibu both directions on the coastal highway.”

Word of the fire began to spread at 11 p.m. as residents smelled smoke.

By dawn, at 3 a.m. PST, the fire had scorched over 1,822 acres with zero containment. Flames lept across Pacific Coast Highway in multiple locations, threatening structures near Malibu Pier and Malibu Colony Plaza, a spot frequented by locals for its mix of grocery stores and boutique shops.

“I’m in shock right now,” Malibu City Councilmember Bruce Silverstein said in the Times. His house has come close to succumbing to flames multiple times as the fire spread.

The Weather Service issued a warning: “Critical fire weather conditions are expected until at least Wednesday.”

The city of Malibu suspended its social media accounts, directing residents to its home page, which read, in part, “There are no reported injuries or fatalities currently. However, we know homes have been damaged or destroyed, but we do not have details on numbers yet. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those impacted, and we will do everything possible to support their recovery.”

Nearly half of all homes in the U.S., 44.8%, are at risk of severe or extreme damage from environmental threats, according to a Realtor.com® report. Almost $22 trillion in residential real estate is in danger of flooding, wind damage, wildfires, heat, or hazardous air quality.

In California, wildfires have burned more than a million acres this year alone, and real estate experts say a lack of insurance coverage has killed at least 13% of deals.

As the state increasingly faces climate risks, Farmers Insurance, Allstate, USAA, and the Hartford have previously declared a pause on issuing new policies to homeowners in California. State Farm halted the sale of insurance for new homes in the state last summer and is pursuing rate increases of up to 52% for certain residential policies.

Most home insurance companies will also cancel your application if your home ever had its insurance pulled at any point.

As a result, many buyers now avoid fire zones or flood zones. However, not everyone is worried about it.

“Insurance in fire-prone areas is increasingly becoming very difficult to obtain,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Los Angeles. “This is affecting the values of homes in fire zones, since prices are being reduced due to buyer hesitancy and concerns.”

What to do if you face a wildfire

Living in a wildfire-prone area means taking proactive steps to protect your home. Here are five easy-to-implement actions that can significantly reduce your risk.

1. Create defensible space around your home: Clear away dry grass, dead trees, and brush within at least 30 feet of your house. Use nonflammable materials like gravel for walkways and patios to create a barrier against flames.
2. Upgrade to fire-resistant roofing and siding: Replace flammable wood shingles with fire-resistant options such as metal, tile, or fire-rated asphalt. Choose noncombustible materials like stucco, brick, or fiber cement for siding.
3. Install ember-resistant vents and screens: Install fine mesh (1/8-inch), ember-resistant vents to prevent burning embers from entering your home. Seal any cracks in your home’s exterior to further protect against embers.
4. Keep gutters clear: Clean gutters regularly, and install metal gutter guards to prevent debris from catching fire. This simple maintenance step reduces the risk of flames igniting your home.
5. Prepare an evacuation plan and emergency supplies: Create and share an evacuation plan for your family and pets, and pack a go-bag with essentials. Keep fire extinguishers and a water source like a hose or sprinkler on hand to help protect your home during a fire.