A significant wildfire, known as the Franklin Fire, has prompted evacuations in Malibu, located just northwest of Los Angeles, as it threatens residential areas, disrupts power, and closes several roads. The fire rapidly escalated overnight from five acres to an alarming 2,713 acres, largely fueled by strong winds across steep, mountainous terrain, and has crossed the Pacific Coast Highway.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that the fire is currently zero percent contained. While a few homes have been lost, there have been no injuries or fatalities associated with the blaze. Marrone emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that they would utilize a coordinated ground and air assault with an additional 300 firefighters joining the existing force of 700.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna indicated that over 2,000 structures are currently under evacuation orders, while another 6,046 are under evacuation warnings. Notably, actor Dick Van Dyke, who is approaching his 99th birthday, has shared his evacuation experience, expressing hope for the survival of his community.
Malibu resident Fred Roberts reflected on the severity of the fire, acknowledging the danger posed by the winds from Malibu Canyon, which he described as “like a blowtorch.” In response to the escalating threat, Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that California has secured a grant from FEMA to fund firefighting efforts.
Local authorities have taken proactive measures, conducting door-to-door notifications to residents and closing roads as the fire continued to spread. A red flag warning from the National Weather Service highlights the increased fire danger, with Santa Ana winds expected to reach up to 65 miles per hour on Tuesday.
On a positive note, Pepperdine University in Malibu has safely transitioned out of its shelter-in-place protocol, allowing students to return to their residences while urging them to stay on campus. President Jim Gash praised the campus’s design prioritizing fire safety, further noting that there has been minimal damage and no reported injuries among the university community.
This situation underscores the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters and the ongoing commitment of local authorities and organizations to ensure the safety of residents.
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