A rapidly expanding brush fire has surged to over 2,200 acres in Malibu by Tuesday morning, primarily driven by strong winds and severe fire risks. Authorities emphasize that the fire remains a serious threat, leading them to urge residents and visitors to evacuate the area.
In response to the raging fire, mandatory evacuation orders have been implemented, Malibu schools are closed, and Pacific Coast Highway—the main route in and out of the region—is closed, which complicates the efforts of firefighters battling the blaze under challenging conditions.
The Franklin Fire ignited shortly before 11 p.m. near Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary. City officials noted that the fire started approximately three miles north of Pacific Coast Highway, though the specific cause remains under investigation.
By 3 a.m., officials reported the fire had crossed over Pacific Coast Highway, endangering structures near Malibu Pier, Malibu Road, Malibu Knolls, and Sweetwater Mesa. Meanwhile, Pepperdine University has also been affected, experiencing power outages and initially warning students about potential growth of the fire. The university later activated its shelter-in-place protocol, directing individuals on campus to seek refuge in designated safe areas.
As of Tuesday morning, while the most severe part of the fire has passed, smaller spot fires remain on campus, fortunately posing no immediate threat to people or buildings. Malibu officials confirmed that all schools were closed on Tuesday due to ongoing fire risks. Southern California Edison reported widespread power outages in the area as a result of the fire activity.
The National Weather Service has pointed out that winds are expected to escalate to 30-40 mph with gusts reaching up to 65 mph, coupled with low humidity, creating favorable conditions for the fire’s growth and spread.
Firefighting efforts have been reinforced, with water-dropping helicopters being deployed to combat the flames. As of Tuesday morning, the fire remains at 0% containment, with no structures reported destroyed yet, although the number of threatened structures is still unknown. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities or injuries so far.
Mandatory evacuations include Serra Retreat and several designated zones, while evacuation warnings have been issued for other regions. The Palisade Recreation Center has been established as an evacuation shelter, welcoming small pets in carriers. Large animal evacuation centers are also available at the Palisades Recreation Center and Pierce College in Woodland Hills.
In these challenging times, the community’s response showcases resilience and solidarity as local authorities and firefighters work diligently to protect lives and property. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of preparedness and awareness during wildfire season, fostering hope that effective measures will minimize the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
Summary:
A brush fire in Malibu has grown to over 2,200 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations and school closures. While there are no reported casualties, firefighters face challenging conditions amid strong winds and low humidity. Authorities continue to stress the need for caution as they manage the ongoing situation.