Franklin Wildfire Forces Evacuations and Emergency Measures in Malibu

The rapidly spreading Franklin wildfire in California has burned over 853 acres in Malibu Canyon, prompting mandatory evacuations and emergency precautions in the surrounding areas.

Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire broke out around 3 miles north of the Pacific Coastal Highway at approximately 10:50 p.m. local time Monday, and continues to pose significant threats.

The fire grew from 10 acres to over 800 in just three hours, according to local media reports.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road, south of Piuma Road and the Serra Retreat neighborhood. The City of Malibu has announced evacuation resources for residents and their animals.

The evacuations cover approximately 6,000 people and 2,000 structures. Evacuation warnings cover 12,500 people.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is on the scene, with county sheriffs conducting door-to-door evacuations.

Residents have been urged to follow evacuation directions from police and fire officials, plan for pets and livestock, and check on any neighbors who may need assistance.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning through Wednesday, citing “extreme and life-threatening fire behavior” due to strong winds gusting up to 80 miles per hour and low humidity.

The City of Malibu warned residents to prepare for potential wildfires, power outages, hazardous roads and malfunctioning traffic signals. Residents are reminded to stop completely at any non-functioning traffic lights.

Pepperdine University, located near the fire, has activated its shelter-in-place protocol. The university advised students and staff to remain in designated safe zones like the Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library, coordinating efforts with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“Despite any evacuation orders from Malibu city or surrounding areas, the university community should follow university instructions,” said university officials on X (formerly Twitter). “We do not evacuate the campus even when surrounding areas might—this shelter-in-place protocol is approved by LA County Fire and executed with their cooperation.”

Classes and finals have been canceled at the university on Tuesday.

“There are numerous LA County Fire Department engines on campus and their helicopters are using the lakes in Alumni Park to pick up water to drop on the fire from above,” the university said.

Southern California Edison (SCE) has preemptively shut off power to several circuits in Malibu as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to reduce fire risks.

Residents can check their circuit status and maps at sce.com/psps or malibucity.org/psps.

The City advised residents to review emergency plans, including evacuation routes and supplies, and to monitor local news and weather updates, especially via AM/FM radios, such as 99.1 FM KBUU, which can operate during power outages.

According to an update issued by the City of Malibu at 3:00 a.m. local time, the fire has spread south to Malibu Road near Webb Way, impacting Malibu Pier and other structures.

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