A fast-moving wildfire, named the Franklin Fire, is burning roughly one mile north of Malibu, California. The fire has expanded to approximately 2,851 acres with zero containment reported as of now. While no injuries have been documented, an unspecified number of homes have been destroyed, and the blaze continues to threaten an estimated 8,100 structures across several neighborhoods.
Impacted Areas and Road Closures
The fire’s path has placed multiple areas at risk, including Malibu Pier, Malibu Road, Malibu Knolls, Sweetwater Mesa, and Costa Del Sol Way. To ensure public safety, authorities have closed key roads in the region:
Pacific Coast Highway is shut down for all traffic except evacuations between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Kanan Dume Road.
Malibu Canyon Road is closed in both directions between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Highway.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard is accessible only to local traffic.
In addition to these closures, Southern California Edison has implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs throughout Malibu to reduce the risk of additional fire outbreaks.
Pepperdine University Activates Shelter-in-Place Protocol
Pepperdine University has issued a shelter-in-place order for students and staff on its Malibu campus. Beginning at 4:30 PM local time, students were directed to remain in designated safe zones, such as the Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library, due to ongoing power outages and fire activity in the area. University officials are closely coordinating with local fire departments to ensure the safety of the campus community.
Evacuations and Warnings
Mandatory evacuation orders and warnings have been issued across Malibu, affecting around 6,000 residents and 2,000 structures within the 90265 ZIP code. Authorities are urging residents in these areas to leave immediately, as high winds and low humidity exacerbate the fire’s rapid spread.
Current Conditions and Fire Response
Winds in the region are blowing from the north-northeast at 20 miles per hour, with relative humidity at just 26 percent, creating conditions conducive to fire growth. A High Wind Warning remains in effect for the area. Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the blaze, but the cause of the Franklin Fire is still under investigation.
Residents and visitors should prepare for continued disruptions, including extended power outages and road closures. Emergency services are actively monitoring the situation and providing updates as new information becomes available.
Staying Safe
Authorities urge those in affected areas to comply with evacuation orders and remain informed through local alerts. The Franklin Fire highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response in wildfire-prone regions.
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