MALIBU, Calif. – A major wildfire, known as the Franklin Fire, continues to pose a significant threat in Malibu, California, leading to thousands of residents evacuating their homes and prompting a shelter-in-place order at Pepperdine University. Firefighters and support teams are actively battling the blaze, which escalated from a mere 5 acres to over 2,700 acres in just a matter of hours, fueled by the strong Santa Ana winds in the region.
The fire was first reported just before 11 p.m. local time on Monday. Despite the rapid response from local firefighters, the blaze remains uncontained. Evacuation orders have been issued across Malibu as flames have crept dangerously close to homes and infrastructure, even jumping over the Pacific Coast Highway. All schools in Malibu are closed until further notice.
As the situation unfolded, concerns over air quality arose, due to smoke and fine particulate matter filling the air. Officials have implemented a public health alert for residents in Malibu and surrounding areas.
At Pepperdine University, students and staff were advised to shelter in place at designated locations as the flames approached the campus. Dramatic accounts detail the chaos experienced by those on campus, with students expressing feelings of disbelief and fear as they witnessed the fire’s intensity. Fortunately, the shelter-in-place order was lifted a few hours later, with university officials confirming that conditions had stabilized.
In the face of adversity, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA, a crucial step in ensuring the availability of resources to combat the wildfire. This grant will provide financial support for local agencies dealing with fire suppression efforts.
With approximately 18,000 residents and over 8,000 structures at risk, officials remain vigilant and ask those in nearby communities to be prepared for possible evacuation orders. So far, no significant injuries or fatalities have been reported, although there was damage to a sheriff’s vehicle.
As the National Weather Service continues to warn of dangerous fire conditions, including powerful winds exceeding 54 mph and extremely low humidity, the urgency for caution remains paramount. The impacts of such volatile weather align with some of California’s most devastating wildfires, prompting officials to urge residents to refrain from activities that could spark new fires.
Despite the challenges posed by the Franklin Fire, the unwavering dedication of first responders and emergency management teams provides hope. Their relentless efforts to protect lives and property amidst such threatening conditions highlight the strength and resilience of communities in times of crisis. As recovery efforts begin, collaborative support from local, state, and federal agencies will be vital in rebuilding and ensuring safety for all affected residents.