Wildfire Chaos for Malibu’s Wealthiest Neighborhoods with Multimillion-Dollar Properties Being Evacuated

A fast-spreading wildfire, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, is ravaging one of Southern California’s most affluent neighborhoods. As of Tuesday evening, the Franklin Fire had scorched 3,049 acres, prompting widespread closures and evacuations. Schools in Malibu have been shut down, portions of the Pacific Coast Highway closed, and Pepperdine University students were forced to shelter in place for hours. Officials reported zero containment of the blaze.

Early Tuesday, the city of Malibu confirmed that the fire had crossed the Pacific Coast Highway, impacting structures such as the Malibu Pier. The extent of damage to the historic landmark remains unclear. The mandatory evacuation zone along the coastline west of Los Angeles encompasses approximately 2,000 homes, many of which are multimillion-dollar properties owned by high-profile figures. Among the affected residences is a $21 million mansion on Malibu Road, recently sold by Ye (formerly Kanye West), and the beach house featured in Lana Del Rey’s “High by the Beach” music video, reportedly once owned by the artist.

The fire’s reach includes Carbon Beach, famously known as Billionaire’s Beach, which lies in the heart of the evacuation zone. This exclusive stretch of coastline boasts properties such as a $48 million mansion owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, designed by Getty Center architect Richard Meier. Nobu Malibu, a renowned Japanese fine-dining restaurant, is also at risk, along with a nearby mansion listed for nearly $20 million by the restaurant’s co-founder Meir Teper. Nearby, Malibu’s quirky and longstanding McDonald’s stands perilously close to the advancing flames.

One of California’s priciest homes, acquired by Beyoncé and Jay-Z in 2023 for $190 million, is currently under an evacuation warning. The high-end Malibu Beach Inn on Carbon Beach has ceased operations, with the resort announcing that the evacuation order covers both the inn and its spa.

Cal Fire issued a stark warning to those in the mandatory evacuation zone, emphasizing the immediate danger to life. Residents were ordered by law enforcement to evacuate without delay, as the area has been officially closed to public access. Updates and evacuation details are being disseminated through Genasys, with officials urging adherence to all evacuation directives.

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