A wildfire raging in Malibu, California, was not contained as of Tuesday evening after destroying at least seven structures and issuing mandatory evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people, Los Angeles County officials said. It is 0%.
The blaze, known as the Franklin Fire, burned more than 3,000 acres in about 24 hours and prompted evacuation orders and warnings for about 20,000 people.
Seven zones within the city limits, from the Pacific Coast to the suburb where the Malibu Canyon fire broke out, are under evacuation orders, which are legally required to leave immediately due to life-threatening conditions. It is a command.
“More than 1,000 first responders from multiple agencies remain on scene fighting the fire on the ground and in the air. Please heed evacuation orders and warnings,” the Los Angeles County Fire Department posted on social media.
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Firefighters in Malibu, California, are working to contain the Franklin Fire, which has burned more than 3,000 acres in about 24 hours. (Doug Morrison, Los Angeles County Fire Department photographer)
At least seven structures were destroyed and at least eight damaged in Malibu, according to Xichiichi. No injuries have been reported at this time.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating event,” the city said in a post.
The fire caused road closures along Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Canaan Dume Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. This road is open only to residents who have evacuated the area and first responders.
Los Vergenes Road at Mulholland Highway is also completely closed, according to the CHP.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that in addition to fire personnel, more than 150 deputies were sent to assist with road closures, evacuations and security patrols.
Full road closures are in place on several major roads in Malibu as firefighters work to extinguish the Franklin Fire. (Doug Morrison, Los Angeles County Fire Department photographer)
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On Monday around 11 p.m., the fire department was called to a wildfire in Malibu Canyon near South Malibu Canyon Road and Francisco Ranch Road.
Strong Santa Ana winds quickly made the fire dangerous, leading to a red flag warning that remained in effect Wednesday afternoon, according to FOX Weather.
“The entire fire area remains under threat as long as the current red flags remain in place,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone. “Firefighters working to extinguish this fire continue to be challenged by high winds and low humidity at the scene and in the air.”
At least seven structures were destroyed in Malibu, and at least eight were damaged as of Tuesday night, according to Broadcasting X. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The fire also caused Pepperdine University to issue a shelter-in-place order until Wednesday morning, at which point school officials will reassess the situation in the area and discuss when it can be lifted.
“Fire activity around Pepperdine University's Malibu campus has decreased significantly as the Franklin Fire has burnt out most of the fuel around campus, but some flames are still visible in small sections of campus.
“Firefighters continue to respond to lingering hotspots, extinguish fires and protect buildings. Initial analysis indicates there is little to no damage to buildings around campus and no injuries have been reported. ,” Pepperdine said on the X show late Tuesday night.
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced that a Fire Management Assistance grant has been secured through FEMA to “help secure critical resources to contain the fires burning in Malibu.”
This grant will help local, state, and tribal agencies responding to fires apply for reimbursement of 75% of eligible fire suppression costs.
“Fire officials and first responders are working tirelessly to protect life and property from the Franklin Fire,” Newsom said. “California appreciates the federal government’s support to strengthen these efforts.”
FOX Weather contributed to this report.
