The Franklin Fire in Malibu has alarmingly reached 3,049 acres, forcing thousands to evacuate and remain at 0% containment as fire crews continue to battle the flames. The inferno erupted late Monday night near the Pepperdine University campus, leading to the destruction of seven structures and damage to others, according to initial reports from county officials.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna highlighted the urgency of the situation, indicating that around 18,000 residents and over 8,100 structures are in the affected zone. Evacuation orders are in place for 2,043 of those structures, while warnings extend to over 6,000 residences.
The fire, initially a 5-acre blaze fueled by Santa Ana winds, rapidly spread south towards the coastal areas and threatened various structures, notably around Malibu Pier and Webb Way. Fortunately, as of now, there are no reported serious injuries or fatalities associated with the fire.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to bolster the firefighting resources needed to combat this emergency. Additionally, arson investigators have begun probing the fire’s cause.
Evacuations are being systematically conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, utilizing door-to-door efforts to ensure residents are safely removed from harm’s way. An emergency station has been established at Zuma Beach to assist evacuees with timely updates, food, water, and first aid.
Malibu’s school district has declared all local schools closed until at least December 12, while Pepperdine University briefly lifted a shelter-in-place order after assessing safety during the early hours of Tuesday. Classes for the day were canceled as the university took precautionary measures due to the proximity of the fire.
Power outages have affected thousands of residents, prompting public safety power shutoffs in the area. Fire officials are emphasizing the need to remain cautious, with a red flag warning in effect due to high winds and low humidity contributing to hazardous fire conditions.
The unpredictable and dangerous weather, characterized by gusts up to 40 mph, also poses ongoing threats that complicate firefighting efforts. As the situation continues to evolve, crews remain vigilant in their response, striving for containment and safety.
Although the situation remains dire, the coordinated response from law enforcement, fire crews, and community support demonstrates a commitment to safety and resilience in the face of adversity. With continued diligence, there is hope that progress will be made to contain the fire and protect both communities and wildlife in the impacted areas.