Southern California’s Malibu is grappling with the fierce and rapidly spreading Franklin Fire, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and firefighters into a desperate battle with the wind-driven blaze. The fire, which ignited late on Monday night, has already threatened over 8,100 homes and structures, including iconic seaside mansions and the prestigious Pepperdine University campus.
On Tuesday, evacuation orders were issued for more than 2,000 homes, with an additional 6,000 residents on high alert to evacuate at a moment’s notice. As the blaze intensified, it spread across dry brush and trees, rapidly consuming the landscape. More than 3.5 square miles of terrain have burned, and while a “minimal number” of homes have been destroyed, the exact toll is still unknown. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone confirmed that the fire is still not contained, with efforts ramping up as winds are forecast to strengthen.
Pepperdine University, situated in the heart of the affected area, saw chaos as students sheltered inside the campus library. Ryan Song, a resident assistant at the university, recalled the tense moments when he noticed the fire’s bright glow creeping closer to the campus. He, along with other staff, immediately began evacuating students, some of whom were frightened and rushed to their cars. “It felt really close,” Song said, describing the fire’s proximity.
Although the university canceled classes and finals for the day, officials reported that the worst of the flames had passed the campus. Helicopters were used to douse the fire with water from nearby lakes, and firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to protect properties, including historical landmarks like the Malibu Pier, which was spared thanks to quick efforts.
The Franklin Fire, which erupted shortly before 11 p.m. on Tuesday, quickly jumped over the Pacific Coast Highway, moving south toward the ocean. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, it is burning in conditions that are dangerously exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds. These winds are expected to last into Wednesday, with gusts reaching speeds up to 65 mph, complicating firefighting efforts.
Power outages have been widespread, with approximately 40,000 customers without electricity by Monday night, including many in the affected areas. Southern California Edison has been working to prevent further damage from the strong winds, which are known to spark wildfires. The Franklin Fire’s timing has raised suspicions about whether the power outages may have contributed to its ignition, recalling the deadly Woolsey Fire in 2018, which was sparked by Edison equipment and led to significant loss of life and property.
Firefighters, assisted by a dedicated team of emergency personnel, are racing against time to prevent further destruction and loss of life. With the fire continuing to spread under challenging conditions, authorities are closely monitoring the situation as more resources are deployed to tackle the relentless blaze.
As of now, Malibu remains on edge, with the fire still active and the city bracing for more potentially devastating consequences. The community continues to come together in the face of this disaster, with emergency services working around the clock to protect lives and property.
Sources By Agencies
