The Franklin Fire erupted late Monday night near Malibu, California, rapidly growing to more than 1,800 acres by early Tuesday morning as strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions fueled its spread. The fast-moving blaze has prompted mandatory evacuations, threatening homes, businesses, and landmarks like the iconic Malibu Pier, while students at Pepperdine University were ordered to shelter in place.
Residents east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, including the Serra Retreat area, were among the roughly 6,000 people evacuated as over 2,000 structures remain under threat. "The fire is burning so hot that it is modifying the local winds... and bending them towards and into the fire," the National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned.
The blaze, which started around 10:50 p.m. Monday, exploded in size, growing from 100 acres to over 1,800 acres in just four hours, according to Los Angeles County Fire and CalFire officials. By Tuesday morning, it remained 0% contained, with officials warning that conditions would remain critical due to low humidity levels and gusts exceeding 40 mph.
Pepperdine University, situated in the fire's path, canceled classes and final exams, directing students to shelter in the Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library. "The library and student center are well protected against any type of threat from the brush fire," Pepperdine public information officer Michael Friel stated. Videos from campus showed flames in the distance as students huddled together in the library.
#FranklinFire: 2200 acres with Zero containment.
The fast-moving Franklin Fire is sweeping through Malibu, prompting mandatory evacuations along a large swath of the California coast early Tuesday.
The fire began as a brush fire late Monday off Malibu Canyon Road north of… pic.twitter.com/5BoAqWGcMm — Disasters Daily (@DisastersAndI) December 10, 2024
"We've been in the library for about six hours, awaiting orders," Pepperdine student Nick Gerding told CNN. Despite the looming threat, he described a calm atmosphere. "There honestly wasn't much that we could do in that moment, and I feel like we all collectively understood that." The City of Malibu activated its Emergency Operations Center, labeling the fire as having a "rapid rate of spread." Pacific Coast Highway was closed between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Corral Canyon Road, further complicating evacuation efforts.
Malibu Wildfire Update: The "Franklin Fire" near Pepperdine University has burned 314 acres with 0% containment. Evacuations are underway east of Malibu Canyon Rd. Pepperdine shelters in place as red flag warnings persist. Photos by Joey Alvarez | Source: Life NowFox pic.twitter.com/DAqNsPMt5t — Santa Monica Closeup (@smcloseup) December 10, 2024
The fire was exacerbated by a Santa Ana wind event, characterized by dry and gusty winds originating from high-pressure systems in the northwest. These "devil winds" amplify fire conditions by drying out vegetation and intensifying flames. Officials anticipate the winds to subside late Tuesday night, potentially providing some relief.
So far, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, more than 57,000 customers across California are without power, according to PowerOutage.us. Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, supported by aerial units, are actively battling the blaze.
