A wildfire driven by fierce Santa Ana winds continues to burn in Malibu, just north of Pepperdine University, as 700 firefighters work to bring the flames under control. Dubbed the “Franklin Fire,” the blaze has grown to 2,200 acres as of Tuesday morning, up from 1,822 acres the previous night, with 0% containment reported.
The fire has forced the closure of Pacific Coast Highway and prompted evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that 18,000 people are impacted by the fire, with 2,043 structures under evacuation orders and 6,046 under evacuation warnings.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone stated during a morning press briefing that, while some homes have been destroyed, the exact number is still unknown. Thankfully, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported so far.
Residents in the area have been asked to conserve water by refraining from using sprinklers or irrigating their lawns, as water resources are being prioritized for firefighting efforts.
The fire broke out late Monday night, around 10:50 p.m., with crews responding swiftly to combat the flames. Sheriff Luna confirmed that 150 deputies are assisting with road closures, evacuations, and public safety.
Fire officials warned that the area remains “under an immediate threat” due to Red Flag conditions, which include strong winds and low humidity that can intensify the fire’s spread.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state has been given federal funding to aid in resources for the fire. According to the City of Malibu, the fire has touched buildings along Malibu Knolls Road and Sweetwater Canyon.
