A wildfire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, erupted near Malibu’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway late Tuesday night, sending residents and authorities into high alert. The fire, which has scorched over 100 acres, is dangerously close to Pepperdine University and nearby residential areas. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for parts of Malibu and unincorporated Los Angeles County as firefighters battle fierce Santa Ana winds and a Red Flag Warning remains in effect.
What caused the Fire?
The Franklin Fire ignited under classic Southern California wildfire conditions: powerful Santa Ana winds, bone-dry vegetation, and extremely low humidity levels. The Santa Ana winds, with gusts exceeding 50 mph, have spread the flames rapidly and made containment efforts significantly more challenging.
Early indications suggest it may have been sparked by power lines affected by the winds. Southern California Edison is monitoring infrastructure for potential links to the blaze .
Coordinated Efforts to Battle the Fire
Local and state firefighting teams, bolstered by aerial water drops and bulldozers, are working tirelessly to gain control of the flames. Despite the intensity of the fire, they have managed to establish a 10% containment line. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has deployed additional resources to aid the Los Angeles County Fire Department, emphasizing the fire’s threat to homes and critical infrastructure.
Evacuation centers have been set up at Malibu High School and Zuma Beach for displaced residents, while Pepperdine University has implemented its shelter-in-place protocol for students and staff.
Several neighborhoods near Malibu Canyon and urged residents across the city to stay prepared. Pepperdine University issued an advisory to students to remain on campus for safety. Meanwhile, traffic disruptions have added complexity to the evacuation efforts, with stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway temporarily closed
Historical Context and Growing Risks
The Franklin reminder of Malibu’s vulnerability to wildfires. In 2018, the Woolsey Fire devastated the area, consuming nearly 100,000 acres and destroying over 1,600 structures. Although lessons from past incidents have improved emergency readiness, climate change continues to exacerbate the severity and frequency of wildfires in California.
The Red Flag Warning, currently set to last through Thursday, highlights the continued risk of new fire outbreaks. Fire officials stress the importance of staying alert and adhering to evacuation orders during these critical conditions.
Updates
Stay tuned for more updates on the fire.
