Franklin Fire Rages Through Malibu, Forcing Evacuations and Shutting Down Pacific Coast Highway
A fast-moving brush fire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, has consumed over 2,600 acres near Malibu, California, fueled by gusty winds and extreme fire danger. As of Tuesday morning, the fire remained uncontrolled, posing a significant threat to homes and prompting mandatory evacuations for thousands of residents.
The blaze erupted shortly before 11 p.m. Monday near Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary. Authorities believe the fire ignited about three miles north of Pacific Coast Highway, but the exact cause is still under investigation. By 3 a.m., the fire had jumped across Pacific Coast Highway, advancing towards threatened structures in Malibu Pier, Malibu Road, Malibu Knolls, and Sweetwater Mesa.
Pepperdine University, located near the wildfire’s path, experienced a power outage due to the blaze. Initially, the university had warned of the fire’s potential growth to 100 acres but did not activate its shelter-in-place protocol. By 1 a.m., campus officials urged anyone on campus to relocate to the campus center or library. Later Tuesday, Pepperdine officials lifted the shelter-in-place order as the fire’s threat lessened.
In response to the escalating fire danger, Malibu officials closed all schools for Tuesday, while Malibu Library and Placerita Canyon remained inaccessible due to the red flag warning. SoCal Edison reported widespread power outages across the region caused by fire activity, according to the company’s outage map.
Meteorologists had predicted strong winds — reaching 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph — combined with low humidity, creating ideal conditions for rapidly spreading blazes. Authorities had previously warned that wildfire danger would remain critically high at least through Wednesday.
Key Information on the Franklin Fire
- Acreage: Nearly 2,600 acres as of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
- Containment: 0%
-
Structures Destroyed: A quickly growing initial estimate suggests a minimal number have been destroyed. officials are currently assessing the damage.
- Injuries/ Deaths: No reported injuries or fatalities at this time.
- Personnel: Over 700 firefighters and water-dropping aircraft continue to battle the blaze.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
The City of Malibu issued mandatory evacuation orders for the following areas as of Tuesday morning:
- Serra Retreat
- Zone MAL-C112
- MAL-C112
- MCR-U021A
- RMB-U030
- SDP-U029-A
Note: an mandatory evacuation means you need to leave your home immediately.
The following areas are under evacuation warnings:
- MAL-C113
- MCR-U021-B
- MTN-U028
- SDP-U029-B
- SSM-U010
- TOP-U008
- VST-U022
Where to Seek Shelter
- Palisade Recreation Center: 851 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades (small pets welcome in carriers and crates).
- Small Animal Evacuation Shelter: Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills
- Large Animal Evacuation Center: Pierce College in Woodland
