Cher and Dick Van Dyke Forced to Evacuate Malibu Homes Due to Franklin Wildfire
In a dramatic turn of events, music icon Cher and legendary actor Dick Van Dyke have evacuated their cherished Malibu residences as the Franklin wildfire escalates, threatening numerous properties in the area. Dick Van Dyke, aged 98, took to social media to inform his followers about the situation. On Facebook, he revealed that he and his wife, Arlene, had safely left their estate along with their pets, although one cat named Bobo managed to escape as they were departing. He expressed concern for Bobo’s well-being and offered prayers for their community in Serra Retreat as they grapple with the devastating flames.
While Cher, 78, checked into a hotel on Monday night with her pets, Van Dyke later posted a nostalgic video of his missing cat, hoping for its safe return. The notable Malibu enclave also includes other celebrities, such as Barbra Streisand, whose whereabouts remain uncertain amid the crisis.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Franklin fire had already charred approximately 2,800 acres since igniting late Monday, with local firefighting teams struggling to contain the blaze, which was reported at zero percent containment. Fortunately, there have been no injuries or fatalities connected to the fire, as per reports from local authorities.
The raging wildfire is being intensified by fierce Santa Ana winds and arid conditions, with predictions of gusts reaching up to 65 mph. A red flag warning is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. The origins of the fire are still under investigation, but its destructive path recalls the infamous Woolsey Fire of 2018, which wreaked havoc on many Malibu homes, including that of Miley Cyrus.
In light of the emergency, Cher and Van Dyke are seeking safety amid the ongoing threat to their community. As they cope with the potential loss of their homes, they join a long list of others in Malibu who have faced the ravages of wildfires before. This current crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of homes and the importance of community during such trying times.
