Malibu Franklin Fire: Santa Ana winds persist as 20K remain under evacuation orders, warnings
MALIBU, Calif. - Over 1,500 first responders continue working around the clock in Malibu to contain the wind-driven Franklin Fire as nearly 20,000 residents remain under evacuation orders and warnings.
In the latest update, crews were able to make progress overnight on the fire burning near the Pepperdine University campus. Fire authorities said as of Wednesday night, the fire had reached 4,035 acres with 7% 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.
As of Wednesday night, 9 structures were destroyed and 6 were damaged. He explained that fire activity increased overnight Tuesday on the western edge of the fire and threatened the Malibu RV Park community, causing additional structures to suffer damage.
Marrone added the low humidity levels and strong winds will play a critical role in the fire behavior, and that the entire fire area remains under threat amid prevailing winds. However, winds decreased "faster than expected", causing the National Weather Service to cancel the red flag warning along the Malibu coast.
"This morning, the city of Malibu again awoke to a red sunrise. This morning, it was from the lingering smoke in the sky rather than the approaching line of fire. We’re far better off this morning than we were in the last 30-plus hours," Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said during Wednesday morning's briefing.
FOX 11’s Gigi Graciette asked officials about residents’ frustration with a lack of communication, who are not only without power, but internet service.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said there are places around the city that are offering Wi-Fi to the public. "It’s not ideal, but believe me, in 2025, we’re going to address this."
At this stage of the firefight, Cal Fire will take command.
No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.
"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.
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 the stubborn Franklin Fire continues to grow, containment continues to be a challenge. By Wednesday afternoon the fire was 7% contained.
Peak wind gusts of nearly 50 mph were recorded overnight Tuesday.
What started the Malibu fire?
The cause of the fire is under investigation by L.A. 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 - 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
- Pacific Coast Highway between Kanan Dume Road and Corral Canyon Road.
Hard Closures
- Pacific Coast Highway between Corral Canyon Road to Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
- Malibu Canyon Road between Lost Hills Road and PCH.
- Mulholland Highway between Las Virgenes Road and Stunt Road.
- Cold Canyon Road between Mulholland Road and Piuma Road.
- Tuna Canyon Road between PCH and Saddle Peak Road.
Franklin Fire Malibu Map
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said around 18,000 people and 8,100 structures lie within the endangered area. Of these structures, about 2,000 are under evacuation orders.
Weather Conditions
A Red Flag Warning that was in effect till 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, ended early due to decreasing winds. NWS forecasters said while very dry air and elevated fire weather conditions will persist into tonight, the threat of critical fire weather conditions has ended.
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 5 p.m. Wednesday.
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.
The Source: This report used information from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Pepperdine University and FOX 11 meteorologists Maria Quiban and Adam Krueger.