Emergency crews respond to reports of people on fire in Malibu amid L.A. wildfires

Emergency responders investigate reports of multiple people on fire in Malibu, as wildfires claim 25 lives.

Emergency responders in Malibu, California, rushed to the scene late Wednesday after receiving a 911 call reporting multiple people on fire. The incident occurred near Decker Edison Road, though details regarding the number of individuals affected remain unclear. Authorities are actively investigating, and no official statements have been issued as of now.

Multiple people on FIRE according to reports from Malibu. 😲‼️

Emergency Crews are responding. pic.twitter.com/H8uzoDZqLI

— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) January 16, 2025

This development adds to the challenges already faced by emergency crews combating wildfires across Los Angeles County. Over the past week, the fires have claimed at least 25 lives and displaced thousands. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized ongoing safety concerns, including damaged infrastructure, hazardous materials, and downed power lines, which continue to delay the safe return of evacuees.

Approximately 82,400 residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders, with another 90,400 under evacuation warnings. In Malibu, several iconic restaurants and clubs have been destroyed, further illustrating the firestorm's devastating impact. Santa Ana winds have fueled the infernos, complicating containment efforts and threatening additional structures.

In response to the widespread destruction, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order aimed at protecting fire victims from exploitative land speculators. The governor condemned unsolicited, low-ball offers targeting vulnerable homeowners, many of whom are still grappling with the loss of their properties. “Families mourning cannot afford to deal with predatory behavior. We will not allow greedy developers to exploit these communities,” Newsom stated in a press release.

As emergency crews continue responding to new incidents and mitigating ongoing fire threats, officials urge residents to prioritize safety and adhere to evacuation orders. Further updates on the Malibu incident and wildfire containment efforts are expected soon, as the region struggles to recover from this catastrophic series of events.