A rapidly spreading wildfire, now known as the Franklin Fire, has triggered mandatory evacuations in parts of Malibu, California, as it threatens numerous structures, including the iconic Malibu Pier. The fire, which ignited near downtown Malibu, has grown explosively, expanding to over 1,600 acres in just one hour, according to CALFire.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has issued urgent evacuation orders for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, as well as the Serra Retreat area. Responding to the emergency, firefighters are actively battling the blaze both on the ground and from the air.
Pepperdine University, located near the fire’s path, has taken immediate action by canceling classes and finals for Tuesday. The university has instructed all students and staff to shelter in place at the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library, where they are deemed safe from the immediate threats of the fire. Videos from the campus overnight reveal an eerie scene with the night sky illuminated by the fire’s glow, with flames visible in the distance.
“All community members on the Malibu campus are directed to shelter in place in the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library,” the university stated, emphasizing that these locations are secure against the encroaching brush fire, as confirmed by Pepperdine’s public information officer, Michael Friel, to KTLA.
The National Weather Service has reported that the area is under a high wind warning until Tuesday afternoon, with wind gusts over 50 mph currently affecting the region. The combination of these high winds, extremely low humidity at about 8%, and dry vegetation has created a perilous environment where fires can escalate quickly, endangering lives and property.
Despite the rapid spread of the fire, no structures have been reported damaged so far, although several are at risk, according to the fire department’s update to KCAL/KCBS. The City of Malibu has activated its Emergency Operations Centers to manage the crisis, acknowledging the fire’s swift and dangerous progression.
Key Points:
- Rapid Spread: The Franklin Fire has grown to over 1,600 acres near downtown Malibu, nearly tripling in size in just one hour.
- Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuations have been issued east of Malibu Canyon Road, south of Piuma Rd, and in the Serra Retreat area.
- Pepperdine University Actions: Classes and finals canceled at Pepperdine University, with a shelter-in-place order for students in the campus library and student center.
- Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters are battling the blaze both from the ground and air.
- Weather Conditions: High winds (over 50 mph gusts), low humidity (8%), and dry vegetation are exacerbating the situation.
- Structure Threats: No structures damaged yet, but many are threatened, including the Malibu Pier.
- Emergency Response: The City of Malibu has activated its Emergency Operations Centers to manage the situation.
