LOS ANGELES, CA – The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles is actively monitoring the dangerous wildfire spreading across Franklin, Malibu, and nearby areas in northwest Los Angeles County. The Consulate is working closely with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to assess the impact on Filipinos and Filipino Americans living in the region.
Urgent Evacuation Orders
The wildfire, which started on December 9, has already consumed more than 12,000 hectares and continues to spread rapidly. Nearly 13,000 residents, including high-profile celebrities, are under evacuation orders. Authorities are urging everyone in the affected areas to follow all evacuation protocols and prioritize their safety.
Filipino Community in Danger
The Consulate has issued an advisory reminding Filipinos in the area to stay informed, take precautions, and heed evacuation warnings issued by Los Angeles County authorities. Many Filipino families live near the wildfire zone, and the situation remains critical as the blaze grows.
Celebrities Among Evacuees
The wildfire has forced several Malibu-based celebrities to flee their homes, including:
- Barbra Streisand
- Julia Roberts
- Lady Gaga
- Beyoncé and Jay-Z
- Dick Van Dyke
- Cher
1,500 Firefighters Battling the Flames
Around 1,500 firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the massive wildfire. Despite their efforts, the fire continues to pose a significant threat to homes, wildlife, and infrastructure in the area.
Consulate’s Efforts to Help Filipinos
Antonette Villa from the Consulate’s Assistance to Nationals section confirmed that they have been monitoring the wildfire since it began. The Consulate has also sent inquiries to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office to gather updates about the situation.
Filipinos in the affected areas are strongly encouraged to contact the Consulate for assistance.
How to Stay Safe
In its advisory, the Philippine Consulate emphasized the importance of staying informed and prepared:
- Monitor updates at fire.ca.gov.
- Follow evacuation orders immediately.
- Dial 911 in case of emergencies or contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department Public Information Office at (323) 881-2411.
The Consulate’s statement added, “Your safety is our top priority. Please stay away from the affected areas and follow local warnings as the wildfire remains a serious threat.”
Investigating the Cause
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s arson investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, but no conclusions have been reached yet.
The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles remains committed to assisting the Filipino community and urges anyone in need to reach out for help during this critical time.
