The Franklin wildfire has sent shockwaves through the Malibu community, leaving 20,000 Southern California residents on edge. With dry land and Santa Ana winds exacerbating the situation, thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes, including many high-profile residents.

The Battle Against the Franklin Wildfire in Malibu

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

Firefighters are battling tirelessly against the wind-driven wildfire that has burned near celebrities' seaside mansions. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued to ensure the safety of residents. The scale of the evacuation is significant, with 20,000 people affected. This wildfire is a clear reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.

Cal Fire reports that six buildings have been damaged and nine have been destroyed. Only 7% of the blaze has been contained so far, highlighting the ongoing challenge faced by firefighters. The situation is critical, and every effort is being made to control the fire and protect lives and property.

High-Profile Residents and Their Stories

Dick Van Dyke, a treasured legend, took to social media to share his experience. He and his wife, Arlene Silver, had to leave Malibu with their animals. "Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for [our cat] Bobo escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires," he wrote.

Hours later, he reunited with his cat Bobo. "We found Bobo as soon as we arrived back home this morning. There was so much interest in his disappearance that Animal Control was called in to assist. But, thankfully, he was easy to find and not harmed," he shared. On the "Today" show, he recounted the harrowing evacuation process. "It was coming over the hill. You [could] see it," he said. "I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up. And three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me."

Mark Hamill, the "Star Wars" actor, was unable to evacuate due to the wildfire. He alerted fans on social media that he was in lockdown. "Please stay safe everyone! I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle," he wrote.

Brooke Burke, a former "Dancing with the Stars" champion and TV personality, shared that she and her family are safe after evacuating their Malibu home. She posted photos on her Instagram, showing her standing beside a firefighter. "Prayers for Malibu…what a community. We love our home & we fight to protect it & somehow we remain disaster after disaster honoring this sacred space. I’m so grateful for all of our friends that have reached out & family, gardeners, helpers, neighbors & the 1000+ firstresponders, law enforcement, volunteers, & workers that helped save so much. So grateful for all the brave firefighters trying to navigate the uncertainty of Mother Nature & wicked winds," she wrote. In a separate video, she told followers her children, animals and home were all safe. "Just heartbroken for our friends and neighbors who can’t say the same thing. … Wild times in Malibu," she said.

Jane Seymour also shared her experience on Instagram. She posted eerie images of Malibu ablaze and wrote, "The fires in our community are a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. Thankfully, my family and I were able to evacuate safely, but my thoughts are with everyone who is still in harm’s way, the brave firefighters risking everything to protect us, and the many who call Malibu home. Let’s continue to support each other, stay informed, and remain hopeful. Our community is strong, and together we’ll see through these challenging times." She also shared video of the raging fire and wrote about fleeing the area. "While the Franklin Fire continues to burn in Malibu and has gotten extremely close to our home, we remain evacuated and we are safe. We are deeply grateful for the amazing firefighters and the incredible band of Malibu volunteer firefighters who are risking everything to protect our homes and our community. This fire reminds us of the strength, the bravery, resilience, and compassion that bind us together in the hardest of times. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another, as we always do. To everyone fighting the flames and keeping us safe, thank you. Your courage is extraordinary."

Mira Sorvino extended prayers to her community in Malibu. The "Mighty Aphrodite" star wrote to 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!!" She and her husband, actor Christopher Backus, have four children together, two of whom are under the age of 18.

Cher was also forced to evacuate her Malibu home. A representative for the singer told Fox News Digital that the 78-year-old "has not returned home yet."

The Franklin wildfire has had a profound impact on the Malibu community. The stories of these high-profile residents highlight the human side of this disaster and the efforts being made to overcome it. Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the blaze and protect lives and property. As the situation continues to unfold, the community remains united in the face of this challenging time.