A fast-moving wildfire, now dubbed the Franklin Fire, ravaged parts of Malibu, California, on Monday night, compelling thousands to evacuate, including some of the area's most marquee residents.

The inferno has swiftly grown from its initial size of 100 acres to a sprawling 2,600 acres within hours, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, as the Daily Mail reports, threatening homes of such entertainment luminaries as Dick Van Dyke.

The fire originated late Monday night around 11 p.m. PST, when it ignited under unknown circumstances.

In a matter of hours, it swelled from a modest 100-acre blaze into a raging fire covering over 2,600 acres by midday Tuesday.

The rapid spread was driven by the area's notoriously powerful Santa Ana winds, which grew so fierce that they actually influenced local wind patterns, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.

Notable Evacuations Include Hollywood Icons

By Tuesday morning, authorities declared the fire zero percent contained, necessitating mandatory evacuations for over 6,000 Malibu residents.

Among them was celebrated actor Van Dyke, who narrowly escaped the inferno with his wife, Arlene Silver. The couple's escape was marred by the disappearance of their beloved pet cat, Bobo, who fled in the chaos of evacuation.

Van Dyke, only days away from turning 99, expressed his distress on social media. He shared a heartfelt message, accompanied by a photo of Bobo, expressing hopes for both the safety of his pet and his Malibu neighborhood of Serra Retreat.

Famed Properties Under Threat from Flames

The sprawling fire, whose flames have licked luxury neighborhoods and crucial infrastructure, continues to threaten properties owned by numerous high-profile figures.

Cher, Barbra Streisand, Jonah Hill, and Julia Roberts are among the stars residing in Malibu’s endangered areas. Cher confirmed through her publicist that she promptly relocated to a hotel with her pets on Monday night for safety.

In addition to these personalities, other esteemed figures like Lady Gaga, Nicolas Cage, Karlie Kloss, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z possess residences within the evacuation perimeter. On Monday night, Jay-Z and Beyoncé made a public appearance at the premiere of "Mufasa," despite the looming threat of the blaze and separate legal distractions for Jay-Z.

Communities and Institutions on High Alert

The Franklin Fire's relentless advance has endangered not only residents but also cultural and educational institutions. Malibu Pier, a cherished landmark, has sustained damage, alongside multiple structures on Malibu Knolls Road and in Sweetwater Canyon, as reported by city emergency updates.

Pepperdine University's campus has come perilously close to the blaze, prompting the university to advise students and staff to remain indoors. This precaution interrupted final exams, leaving a sense of uncertainty in the air. Moreover, the fire's potential to engulf the Getty Villa poses a severe risk to its invaluable collection of Greek and Roman artifacts.

Emergency Services' Battle and Resident Reactions

Firefighters have been engaged in an arduous battle against the fire, which threatened to engulf an area larger than five football fields. Despite their efforts, the fire's intensity and sheer scale make controlling it unbelievably challenging.

Local residents have described the terrifying scenes to media outlets, painting chilling images of "flames everywhere" and a mass exodus as people fled in vehicles along the coastal highway. The evacuation orders have had profound impacts on the community, with many residents anxiously hoping for their own safe return.

Hope and Resilience in Crisis

The Franklin Fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those living in wildfire-prone regions. As emergency personnel continue their tough fight against the disaster, the prospects of containment remain crucial.

Meanwhile, evacuees such as Dick Van Dyke, whose lives have been upended by the fire, cling to the hope that their homes and beloved belongings will endure. The actor's poignant plea for the safety of his missing cat, Bobo, and the survival of his community reflect the resilience and concerns faced by all those displaced by the disaster.

In a situation marked by unpredictable winds and expansive fires, Malibu's residents and emergency services unite in their vigilance and dedication to overcoming this monumental challenge.