A significant wildfire known as the Franklin Fire is currently raging just northwest of Los Angeles, prompting evacuations in Malibu as it threatens homes and infrastructure. As of Tuesday, the fire has expanded dramatically from five acres to 2,713 acres due to strong winds, impacting areas south of the Pacific Coast Highway within the scenic coastal community of approximately 10,000 residents.
Despite the fire being zero percent contained and leading to the destruction of a few homes, no injuries or fatalities have been reported, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. Officials have mobilized a large response, with an additional 300 firefighters joining the existing 700 on the ground and in the air to combat the blaze, which is made more challenging by the rugged terrain. The exact cause of the fire is still undetermined.
In total, evacuation orders have been issued for over 2,000 structures, while more than 6,000 others are under evacuation warnings. Among those affected by the evacuation is actor Dick Van Dyke, who shared his concerns on social media as he left the area with his family and pets. Local residents like Fred Roberts expressed their alarm over the fire’s severity, likening the winds to a blowtorch.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state has received a federal grant from FEMA to assist in firefighting efforts. As the fire continued to spread, authorities conducted door-to-door notifications to warn residents and closed nearby roads. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the area, indicating heightened fire danger due to Santa Ana wind gusts reaching up to 65 miles per hour.
In a positive development amid the chaos, Pepperdine University lifted its shelter-in-place order as conditions improved, allowing students to return to their residences on campus. The university’s president remarked on the effectiveness of their fire safety measures, noting minimal damage to campus buildings and no injuries reported among the university community.
While the situation remains critical, firefighting crews are working diligently to contain the fire, and resources are being mobilized to ensure the safety of residents. There is hope that, with reduced winds expected later, progress can be made in controlling the fire.
Summary: The Franklin Fire near Los Angeles has led to evacuations in Malibu, threatening homes and prompting a large firefighting response. Although a few homes have been destroyed, there have been no reports of injuries. Efforts are underway to combat the blaze, with state and federal resources being utilized. The situation has revealed community resilience and awareness of fire safety among residents and local institutions.
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