Forest fire spreads rapidly: Numerous people evacuated

By Laura Almanza

Malibu (USA) - Another forest fire has broken out on California's Pacific coast. Numerous people had to be evacuated. A university is also located in the area.

A person walks along Malibu Canyon Road as the Franklin Fire approaches.
A person walks along Malibu Canyon Road as the Franklin Fire approaches.  © Eric Thayer/AP/dpa

In the US city of Malibu on California's Pacific coast, firefighters are battling a rapidly spreading forest fire.

The so-called "Franklin Fire" broke out late on Monday evening, reported theLos Angeles Times, citing the fire department. Evacuations have been ordered in large parts of eastern Malibu.

Pepperdine University is also located in the area. Students and staff were called to shelter in place.

According to the newspaper, the fire had spread to an area of almost three and a half square kilometers within a few hours.

The cause of the fire was initially unknown. The fire was fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, which occur mainly in the fall and winter.

The Pepperdine University campus is also affected by the forest fire.
The Pepperdine University campus is also affected by the forest fire.  © Eric Thayer/AP/dpa

Climate change makes forest fires more likely

Every year, wildfires cause major destruction to forests and residential areas in California. In view of climate change , experts warn that fires are becoming more frequent and more destructive.

As recently as November, a fierce forest fire - also fanned by Santa Ana winds - destroyed numerous homes in southern California.