This browser does not support the Video element.
Crews gaining more ground on Franklin Fire
Crews will face more favorable conditions as the Frankin Fire continues to burn in Malibu.
MALIBU, Calif. - The firefight continued in Malibu after the Franklin Fire erupted on Monday, leaving 20,000 residents under evacuation orders and warnings, while some were left without power. As of Thursday morning, city officials said power had been restored in the coastal community.
Firefighters faced challenging conditions as the blaze was fueled by Santa Ana winds. As the week progressed, crews gained more ground and were likely to face favorable weather conditions as increased humidity and rain chances entered the forecast.
In the latest update, crews made progress overnight on the fire burning near the Pepperdine University campus. Fire authorities said as of Thursday afternoon, the fire had reached 4,037 acres with 30% contained.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Franklin Fire in Malibu reaches 20% containment
In an update on Thursday afternoon, a Cal Fire official said the Franklin Fire in Malibu was 20% contained.
The fire department said they made great progress Wednesday as winds slowed down.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said their primary focus remains the safety of residents and first responders. Their priority is getting people back to their homes. During a Wednesday night press conference, officials said 6,500 people had been evacuated from their homes.
The latest numbers also indicate 9 structures were destroyed and 4 were damaged. That number is expected to rise as this is only an assessment of 25% of the area.
Marrone explained Wednesday that fire activity increased on the western edge of the fire and threatened the Malibu RV Park community, causing additional structures to suffer damage.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Some evacuation orders lifted in Franklin Fire
Los Angeles County Captain Jennifer Seetoo said some evacuation orders will be lifted as crews gain control of the Franklin Fire in Malibu.
Repopulation
By Thursday afternoon, officials said they plan to repopulate the area and let some residents return home. Residents along PCH were allowed to return home Thursday.
Some mandatory evacuation orders were also lifted and officials downgraded the voluntary evacuation order, allowing citizens back into their homes immediately.
Officials will continue reopening other areas in the coming days. They say securing the area and making it safe is their top priority before they can allow people to return.
For specific locations that have reopened, visit protect.genasys.com.
No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Malibu Fire: Some evacuation orders lifted
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon, which destroyed at least nine structures.
"Malibu is strong. That strength and resilience peak when we work together and that has been demonstrated throughout the duration of the Franklin Fire. Our commitment to our impacted communities is unweaving and we will do everything in our power to help you navigate the challenges that come with every stage of this emergency," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Franklin Fire recovery expected to take years
Kevin McGowan, he director of the Office of Emergency Management for the County of Los Angeles, said it will take Malibu years to fully recover from the Franklin Fire.
Location of Franklin Fire in Malibu
Just before 11 p.m. on Monday, crews with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to Malibu Canyon Road in Malibu Creek State Park, where a high volume of dry brush contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. It erupted in the midst of a rare "particularly dangerous situation red flag warning" issued by the National Weather Service in response to strong wind gusts and dramatically dry conditions.
Malibu Fire Containment
As of Thursday morning, the fire was 20% contained.
What started the Malibu fire?
The cause of the fire is under investigation by LA County Fire and Sheriff's arson teams.
Evacuation Order and Warnings
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the following areas:
- East of Latigo Canyon
- West of Topanga Beach Driveway
- South of Baller Motorway
- Piuma Road
- Rambla Pacifico
A warning was in place for:
- East of Trancas Canyon Road and Kanan Dune Road
- West of Crestline Drive
- South of Hidden Highlands Road, Mullholland Highway, Lookour Road, Powderhorn Road
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned that the sheriff's department has dispatched over 150 personnel for evacuations, road closures, and security patrols. Hard closures are in effect at Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway.
Evacuation Shelters
Residents: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District office: 2802 4th Street, Santa Monica.
Small Animals: Agoura Animal Shelter: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills.
Large Animals: Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills.
Road Closures
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said that the road closures are "not to inconvenience you, it is for your safety."
Soft closures
Soft closures are open to residents with proper identification.
- Topanga Canyon Road to Pacific Coast Highway.
- Old Topanga Canyon Road at Mulholland Highway to Topanga Canyon.
This browser does not support the Video element.
PCH closed amid Franklin Fire
Pacific Coast Highway remains closed as a fire continues to burn in Malibu north of the Malibu University campus.
Hard Closures
- Malibu Canyon Road between Mulholland Highway and Pacific Coast Highway.
- Pacific Coast Highway between Kanan Dume Road to Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
- Civic Center Way northbound to Malibu Canyon Road.
- Mulholland Highway between Las Virgenes Road and Stunt Road.
- Las Virgenes Road from Muholland Hwy to PCH.
- Tuna Canyon Road between PCH and Saddle Peak Road.
- Piuma Road at Malibu Canyon all the way to PCH.
For a full list visit protect.genasys.com.
Franklin Fire Malibu Map
Weather Conditions
This browser does not support the Video element.
Weather Forecast for Thursday, Dec. 12
The latest forecast for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
A days-long Red Flag Warning expired in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Wednesday. The National Weather Service forecasted calmer winds, cooler conditions, and increased humidity, along with a 40% chance of rain for Malibu on Thursday.
SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Santa Ana winds weaken, chance of rain returns to forecast
Air Quality
An Air Quality Alert has been issued in the areas near the fire as well as several portions of Los Angeles County due to increased fine particle pollution levels from wildfire smoke. Along with areas near the fire including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, the alert also impacts parts of LA and Ventura counties such as Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Downey, Culver City, Hollywood, the western San Fernando Valley, Torrance, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks.
The alert remains in place through 7 p.m. Thursday.
School Closures
Due to power outages, road closures and evacuations related to the fire, all Malibu schools within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will be closed through Thursday, Dec. 12.
Power Shut-offs
Southern California Edison shut off power for parts of Malibu in the wake of the fires.
Additionally, thousands of customers are without power across LA, Ventura, and Orange counties in order to prevent electrical equipment from sparking wildfires.
RELATED: Thousands in Southern California at risk of power shutoffs amid Red Flag Warning
Emergency Declarations and Assistance
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger issued an emergency declaration early Tuesday morning. Gov. Gavin Newsom reported that the state secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to aid the firefight, acknowledging the relentless efforts of fire officials and first responders. Newsom urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and heed evacuation orders.