Franklin Fire: The Great Disaster in Malibu

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WARTA KAYAN - When I heard news about the Franklin Fire in Malibu, I immediately remembered an incident several years ago when my family and I visited the area for summer vacation. We rented a small house near the beach, with an amazing view. But behind that beauty, there is one thing that I will never forget: how quickly fires can occur and how the people there must always be prepared.

In fact, I almost panicked because I didn't understand how to deal with an emergency situation like this. At that moment, we heard the emergency sirens suddenly sound. I thought it was just a normal drill, but it turned out the fire had started to spread in the hilly area, just a few miles from where we were staying. In such a situation, everything feels chaotic. Honestly, I really don't know what to do.

This is my first lesson: always have an evacuation plan, even if you're only in that place for a while. Malibu locals know this all too well, but for a tourist like me, this was a completely new experience. I asked the owners of the house we were renting, and they gave us a list of things to pack immediately if the situation got worse. I remember he said calmly, “What's important is safety, not things.”

From that experience, I want to share some tips that can be useful, especially if you live or travel to fire-prone areas like Malibu:

1. Monitor local weather and warnings. Don't just rely on regular weather apps. In California, there is a special service to update fire status. I remember, the Ready for Wildfire app was very helpful at that time.
2. Always prepare a 'go bag'. In this bag, put important items such as identity documents, medicine, chargers, snacks and drinking water. I used to think this was too much, but after feeling the panic of having to rush, I know why this is really important.
3. Know the evacuation routes. Don't just know one way out. The fire can change direction quickly, especially because of the wind. At that time, we were told three different routes to leave the area if the situation worsened.
4. Don't ignore sirens or warnings. I admit, when I first heard the sirens, I thought it was just a hoax or a drill. But it turns out, every second is important.

There was one moment that left an impression on my heart. As the fire began to approach the hills in the distance, I saw a group of volunteers bravely helping to put out a small fire that had almost reached the main road. It truly shows human solidarity and courage in the midst of disaster. In fact, one of them even encouraged us, saying, "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

From this incident, I learned to appreciate nature more and the importance of preparation. Fires like the Franklin Fire are not just about disasters, they also teach us about resilience and cooperation. If you live in a vulnerable area or have plans to go there, I hope my experience can help you feel more prepared. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of nature.