Fire leaves family homeless, Red Cross steps in to help

In early December 2024, Malibu, California experienced a devastating wildfire known as the Franklin Fire, prompting the evacuation of nearly 20,000 residents. Among those affected were celebrities like Jane Seymour and Dick Van Dyke, who both had to evacuate their homes. Jane Seymour reported that she was able to escape with just the clothes she was wearing after receiving an urgent call about flames approaching her property. Fortunately, firefighters were able to contain the fire and protect her home from destruction. Dick Van Dyke, aged 99, faced a more harrowing ordeal. Exhausted from attempting to combat the flames with a fire hose, he was forced to crawl to his car to evacuate. His neighbors aided him during the evacuation, carrying him to safety and assisting in extinguishing a fire threatening his guesthouse. Despite the danger, he expressed gratitude for their bravery and the efforts of first responders. As the Franklin Fire quickly spread, firefighters battled against strong winds and low humidity that exacerbated the situation. The flames burned thousands of acres, threatening numerous homes, including those of many celebrities. Residents in the area were caught in a state of panic, and many were forced to leave unexpectedly, some without even personal belongings. Cher, another famous resident, also evacuated her home as a precaution. Thanks to improved weather conditions, firefighters made significant progress in controlling the blaze after several days of intense work. Government officials urged residents to heed mandatory evacuation orders, as the fire damaged multiple structures in the region. While some residents returned home, others remained displaced, awaiting news on the safety of their properties. The Franklin Fire serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires, particularly in areas prone to such threats.