MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: The Franklin Fire burned through Malibu yesterday forcing thousands to evacuate the area since it threatened hundreds of homes and buildings. The blaze broke out late 9 December 2024 near Malibu Canyon Road, quickly spread, and had scorched nearly 2,800 acres by early today, Tuesday. Containment is still in progress and is yet contained.
There were evacuation orders issued to half the Malibu, affecting the number of 20,000 people and threatening about 8,100 structures. This work is being complemented with all-around active assistance from the Sheriff of Los Angeles County with this evacuation process, stating a concern that residents heed those warning messages and be better prepared when emergencies occur. Hundreds of homes will most probably be left unoccupied behind as flames creep down through neighborhoods.
Santa Ana wind effects
Strenuous Santa Ana winds at times gusting to as high as 80 mph are driving the Franklin Fire. Dry winds create dangerous fire weather that severely tests firefighters. The National Weather Service issued a “red flag warning” across Southern California, meaning a very extreme situation for fire.
Firefighters from different agencies are attempting to contain the blaze. Aerial support worked through the night, placing water on hotspots. The fire is still rapidly spreading on both sides of the Pacific Coast Highway, forcing some closures and disrupting local traffic.
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Pepperdine University Affected During Malibu Fire
Pepperdine University, directly in the middle of the area being affected, received a shelter-in-place order for both students and staff. Several students evacuated from their dorm rooms due to flames approaching the canyons nearby, sending them to safer areas of campus. Classes and finals set for Tuesday were called off because of safety concerns.
The campus is holding its breath as random fires in the periphery continue to flare up. The historical Malibu Pier, fortunately, has reportedly been saved from fires by the congregation of flames abreast of its structures.
Community Response and Support
It would be local organizations doing their best to stand up and take assistance to displaced residents while the fire continues to menace Malibu. Shelters are established across multiple locations, ranging from school district facilities for Santa Monica Unified School District to that of Calabasas Community Center, and are coming together from the communities towards those affected.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that more than 1,500 firefighters are fighting the Franklin Fire. He added that people should stay alert as the situation is explosive.
Franklin Fire in Malibu is a current scenario that has already involved thousands of people by bringing much disturbance and danger. Officially, with the support of firefighting and community support, resolution is expected soon. So far, firefighters have battled this fire with improving weather in the later part of the week but watch out for unpredictable behavior by fire. Authorities work day and night to prevent loss of life and property destruction along the route as they continue investigating the cause of the fire.
