Massive fire in Malibu area of California causes massive destruction, thousands of people homeless, power outages
A wildfire raging along the Southern California coast has caused authorities to evacuate 20,000 people. More than 8,000 homes and businesses have been ordered to evacuate. Power has been knocked out and schools in the area have been closed. All activities have been suspended at the Malibu campus of Piperdine University and students have returned to their homes. The fire that broke out yesterday has spread rapidly. Several buildings have been destroyed by the fire within minutes. According to officials, a “red flag” warning has been issued, under which people have been told that temperatures will rise, humidity will drop significantly and strong winds may cause the fire to spread further. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said that conditions have improved compared to before, but the danger has not yet passed. He said that in view of the threat posed to City Hall due to the fire, a state of emergency has been declared in the Calabasas area. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone has warned that local residents should take the fire seriously and move to safer places while there is time. He has said that at this time the fire is dependent on the wind. If the wind direction changes, the fire will engulf new areas, so there is a need to be vigilant. He said that the assessment of the damage caused by the fire will be taken later and for now, all attention is being given to controlling the fire.
