A raging forest fire within Malibu, California, Los Angeles County officials say 0% is under control as of Tuesday evening, after at least seven buildings were destroyed and tens of thousands of mandatory evacuation orders were imposed.
Known as the Franklin Fire, the flames have burned more than 3,000 acres in about 24 hours and placed nearly 20,000 people under evacuation orders and warnings.
Seven areas within the city limits, from the Pacific coast to the edge of the Malibu Canyon fire’s start, are under an evacuation order, which is a legal order to leave immediately due to life-threatening conditions.
“More than 1,000 first responders from multiple agencies remain on scene to battle the fire on the ground and in the air. Please heed evacuation orders and warnings,” the Los Angeles County Fire Department wrote on social media.
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Firefighters in Malibu, California, are trying to contain the fast-moving Franklin Fire, which has burned more than 3,000 acres in about 24 hours. (Photographer Doug Morrison of the LA County Fire Department)
There have been at least seven structures destroyed in Malibu and at least eight are damaged, according to the city on X. No injuries have been reported at this time.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating event,” the city said in its post.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fire has resulted in road closures along Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Kanan Dume Road. The road is only accessible to residents evacuating the area and first responders.
There is also a hard closure on Los Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway, CHP said.
In addition to fire personnel Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said more than 150 officers have been dispatched to assist with road closures, evacuations and safety patrols.
Hard closures are in effect for several major roadways in Malibu as firefighters attempt to contain the Franklin Fire. (Photographer Doug Morrison of the LA County Fire Department)
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The fire brigade was warned about the forest fire in Malibu Canyon near South Malibu Canyon Road and Francisco Ranch Road, Monday around 11 p.m.
FOX Weather reported that the fire quickly became dangerous due to strong Santa Ana winds, prompting a Red Flag Warning that will remain in effect until Wednesday afternoon.
“The entire fire area remains threatened as long as current red flag conditions persist,” LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. “Strong winds and low humidity continue to challenge firefighters on the line and in the air as they struggle to contain this fire.”
At least seven structures have been destroyed and at least eight damaged in Malibu, according to the City on X. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The fire also caused Pepperdine University to issue a shelter-in-place order until Wednesday morning, when school officials will re-evaluate conditions in the community and discuss when it can be lifted.
“Fire activity around Pepperdine’s Malibu campus has declined sharply as the Franklin Fire has burned most of the fuel surrounding the campus, but some flames are still visible in small areas of the campus.
“Firefighters continue to respond to and extinguish lingering hotspots and protect structures. Early analysis indicates there is little to no damage to buildings around campus and no injuries have been reported,” Pepperdine said late Tuesday evening on X.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that a Fire Management Assistance Grant has been secured through FEMA to “help ensure the availability of essential resources to suppress the Malibu fire.”
The grant will help local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire apply for 75% reimbursement of their eligible firefighting costs.
“Firefighters and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire,” Newsom said. “California is grateful for this federal support, which strengthens these efforts.”
FOX Weather contributed to this report.
