The Franklin Fire in Malibu has rapidly escalated, burning over 2,200 acres near Pepperdine University and prompting the evacuation of thousands. The fire was first reported late Monday night, and by early Tuesday morning, it had spread significantly, with a small number of homes confirmed destroyed. Emergency response efforts were bolstered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is actively working to evacuate residents in the affected areas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that FEMA will provide Fire Management Assistance to guarantee sufficient resources are deployed to combat the blaze. The fire’s origin is currently under investigation by arson specialists.
As of Tuesday, approximately 18,000 residents are in evacuation zones, with over 2,000 structures currently under mandatory evacuation orders. Firefighters have been tirelessly battling the flames, and as of now, no reports of serious injuries or fatalities have emerged. However, fire officials have warned that the blaze remains uncontrolled due to Red Flag conditions prevalent in the region.
Additionally, Pepperdine University confirmed that while the fire had approached the campus, the administration instituted a shelter-in-place order as a precautionary measure. By daylight, conditions were reassessed, and the order was lifted, allowing community members to safely return to campus residences.
The relentless Santa Ana winds, gusting up to 40 mph, have exacerbated the fire danger, prompting alerts from weather officials about exceptionally hazardous conditions that could affect a wide area of Southern California. Meanwhile, many Malibu schools have closed until further notice, highlighting the chaos caused by the unfolding situation.
In a glimmer of hope amid the chaos, evacuations are being handled systematically, with first responders employing lessons learned from previous fires to ensure safety and communication.
As this situation remains fluid, ongoing updates will be vital as officials work to contain the Franklin Fire. Community members are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety.