Actress Jane Seymour says she has no plans to leave Malibu despite repeated wildfire evacuations. The actress, who has lived in the coastal community for more than 30 years, says her attachment to the area and its residents outweighs the risks.
During the December 2024 Franklin Fire, Seymour was among Malibu residents forced to evacuate as flames threatened the area. The fire burned approximately 4,086 acres and destroyed around 20 structures. Seymour later recalled leaving with only a few personal belongings as the fire approached her home. She expressed hope that her house would stand for many years. The Franklin Fire reflected a broader pattern of wildfire exposure in Malibu, where strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, steep terrain, and dense vegetation can speed up fire spread, as reported by Page Six and the News & Observer.
With Malibu's population of about 13,000 residents, citywide evacuation orders during major fires disrupt the community. The area's geography, including its position between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, narrow roads, rugged terrain, and strong downslope winds, makes evacuation and firefighting more difficult.
Asked whether she would consider leaving Malibu, Seymour said she had no plans to move, praising the area's natural beauty and community. "It's the most beautiful place and the community here is wonderful." She described her gratitude for the local fire department, saying, "I'm incredibly grateful to the fire department that ultimately helped us as well. When you live in a place that's close to nature, you just have to have respect for it." In a November 2026 interview, Seymour again stated her commitment to Malibu, tying her decision to stay to her connection with the community and the area's natural setting, rather than any belief that wildfire danger had faded.
Preventive measures and community ties
Seymour explained that she has taken steps to lower wildfire risk around her home. She removed plants from her garden that were not drought-resistant or could catch fire easily, following advice from the fire department. "I've been really, really careful about all that, and I had the fire department here telling me what I should and shouldn't do, and I did everything I possibly could do, but it's also the luck of the draw," she said. She also mentioned installing fire hydrants and a pool-based system to help protect the property, though she acknowledged that wildfire survival can depend on chance. These actions follow the general principle of reducing combustible vegetation near structures, a key recommendation for homes in wildfire-prone areas.
"And I've been here a very long time, and I will always support this community." Malibu officials continue to issue public fire-weather warnings, such as the Red Flag Warning in effect from November 6-8, 2026, advising residents to prepare for possible fires and evacuations, as detailed in an official city notice.
The City of Malibu has also published an after-action review covering its emergency-management and Emergency Operations Center response to the Palisades and Franklin fires, focusing on coordination, communication, evacuation, and operational performance during these emergencies.
