Santa Ana Wind-Driven Franklin Fire Malibu: Updates, Evacuations, and Impact

Firefighters continue their intense efforts to combat the Santa Ana wind-driven Franklin Fire, which has been raging in Malibu since late Monday night. The fire, which started near Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary around 10:45 p.m. Monday, remains uncontained and has caused extensive disruptions in the area.

Current Situation and Affected Areas

• As of midday Tuesday, the Franklin Fire has spread across 2,851 acres, with zero containment reported.
• Officials stated that 8,100 structures are affected, of which:
  • 2,043 structures are under mandatory evacuation orders.
  • 6,046 structures remain under evacuation warnings.
• The fire has impacted approximately 18,000 residents, forcing many to evacuate their homes.

At a press conference, L.A. County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed the loss of structures but could not provide an exact count. Preliminary reports suggest seven structures have been destroyed and eight others have been damaged.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

The following areas are under mandatory evacuation orders:

• East of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road.
• Serra Retreat neighborhood.
• From Tuna Canyon to Puerco Canyon.

Evacuation warnings are in effect for:

• Areas from Puerco Canyon to Trancas Canyon.

Temporary Evacuation Centers

To assist evacuees, the following centers have been opened:

1. Santa Monica Unified School District Facility: 2828 4th St., Santa Monica.
2. Calabasas Community Center: 27040 Malibu Hills Rd., Calabasas.

Animal Shelter Services

• Small Animals: Take them to the Agoura Animal Care Center, located at 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills.
• Large Animals: Evacuate them to Pierce College, located at 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills.

Road Closures

Due to the fire and emergency operations, the following road closures are in place:

• Pacific Coast Highway: Shut down between Kanan Dume Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
• Las Virgenes Road at Mulholland Highway.
• A soft closure is enforced on Topanga Canyon Boulevard for residents only.

Impact on Schools and Universities

Pepperdine University

Students and staff at Pepperdine University were instructed to shelter in place throughout the night as firefighters battled the blaze. The shelter-in-place order was lifted around 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, but classes and exams have been canceled for the day.

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

The district announced closures of all Malibu schools on Tuesday due to:

• Fire hazards.
• Power outages.
• General safety concerns.

The closed schools include:

• Webster Elementary School.
• Malibu Elementary School.
• Malibu Middle School.
• Malibu High School.

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

• The Los Angeles County Fire Department crews are battling challenging conditions fueled by strong Santa Ana winds.
• Fire suppression efforts remain ongoing as crews aim to contain the massive spread.
• The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Community and Government Response

The City of Malibu issued a statement:

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those impacted. We will do everything possible to support their recovery.”

Officials continue to emphasize safety, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders and avoid restricted areas.

Key Takeaways

1. Fire Size: 2,851 acres burned with no containment.
2. Evacuations: 2,043 structures under mandatory orders; 6,046 under warnings.
3. Impact: Seven structures destroyed, eight damaged (preliminary figures).
4. Closures: Roads, schools, and normal university operations disrupted.
5. Support: Evacuation centers, animal shelters, and emergency services are operational.

The Franklin Fire Malibu remains a significant threat to the Malibu community. With high winds and dry conditions fueling the fire, firefighting crews are working tirelessly to control the blaze and protect lives and properties. Residents are urged to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and prioritize safety as efforts to contain the fire continue.