Malibu’s Franklin Fire: Community Unites Amid Blaze Crisis

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Firefighters are vigorously battling the Franklin Fire, which ignited in the Malibu area on Monday night. As of the latest reports, the blaze has consumed approximately 2,200 acres close to Pepperdine University, leading to mandatory evacuations and road closures.

Evacuation Orders:
Those residing in the following areas are under evacuation orders:

– South of Piuma Road
– North of the Pacific Ocean coastline
– East of Puerco Canyon Road/Corral Canyon Park
– West of Los Flores Canyon Road
– Areas between the Pacific Ocean coastline and Tuna Canyon Park, west of Tuna Canyon Road

Evacuation Warnings:
Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for potential evacuations:

– East of Trancas Canyon Road and Kanan Dune Road
– West of Topanga Canyon Blvd/Surfview Drive
– South of Mulholland Highway
– North of the established evacuation area, including Topanga Zones 8 and 10

School Impact:
In response to the fire, Pepperdine University initially directed students to shelter in place, a protocol that was lifted early Wednesday morning after assessing the situation. While academic activities have been impacted, the university reported that fire activity on campus had reduced to a few spot fires and hot spots, which are actively being managed by firefighting teams. Additionally, all schools within the Santa Monica-Malibu School District are closed until Thursday as a precaution.

Road Closures:
Multiple roadways are closed, according to the California Highway Patrol – West Valley, including:

– Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Blvd and Kanan Dume Rd
– Cold Canyon Road at Piuma Road
– Las Virgenes Road at Piuma Road
– Saddle Peak Road at Tuna Canyon Road
– Mulholland Highway at Stunt Road

Hard closures are in place for:

– Malibu Canyon Road at Mulholland Highway to Pacific Coast Highway
– Las Virgenes Road at Mulholland Highway to Pacific Coast Highway

Soft closures include limited access along certain routes for residents and those evacuating.

Shelter Resources:
A shelter has been set up at the Palisade Recreation Center, located at 851 Alma Real Drive in Pacific Palisades, which is open to all displaced individuals, including those with pets in carriers. Additionally, specialized shelters for animals have been organized at the Agoura Animal Care Center for small animals and Pierce College for large animals.

This situation highlights the resilience and strength of the community in the face of disaster. As firefighters continue their brave efforts to contain the blaze, local residents are rallying to provide support and resources for those affected. Despite the severity of the situation, the establishment of shelters and ongoing efforts by emergency services show a determined response to protect lives and property.

In summary, while the Franklin Fire poses significant challenges, the collaborative efforts of firefighters and local authorities demonstrate a collective commitment to safety and recovery in the Malibu region.

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