A wildfire, known as the Franklin Fire, has erupted in the hills northwest of Los Angeles, prompting evacuations in Malibu as it threatens homes and infrastructure. On Tuesday, the fire, driven by strong winds, expanded significantly from five acres to an alarming 2,713 acres along the mountainous terrain, moving southward across the Pacific Coast Highway.
As of now, the fire is completely uncontained, causing destruction to several homes, though thankfully there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated during a news conference that efforts to combat the fire would be intensified with an additional 300 firefighters joining the 700 already on-site. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, given the challenging conditions in the area.
The cause of the ignition remains uncertain, and evacuation orders have been issued for over 2,000 structures, with nearly 6,000 more under warnings. Notable among those who evacuated is 99-year-old actor Dick Van Dyke, who expressed hope for the safety of his community as he and his family took precautions.
Malibu resident Fred Roberts described the winds as reminiscent of a “blowtorch,” highlighting the fierce nature of this fire. In response to the crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California secured a grant from FEMA to support firefighting efforts.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for heightened fire risk due to Santa Ana wind gusts potentially reaching up to 65 miles per hour. This warning is set to last until Wednesday, although the winds are anticipated to lessen.
In a positive note, Pepperdine University has lifted its shelter-in-place order, allowing students to return to their residences after ensuring their safety during the night. The university’s campus, designed with fire safety in mind, has reportedly sustained minimal damage, and there have been no injury reports among its community members.
As the situation develops, the coordinated efforts of firefighters and local authorities aim to protect homes and residents from the evolving threat of wildfire. It is essential for communities to stay vigilant during this time and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
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