A wildfire fueled by strong winds northwest of Los Angeles forced evacuations in Malibu on Tuesday as it threatened homes, cut power, and closed roads in the beachside community. The Franklin Fire, which started as a five-acre blaze, rapidly expanded to 2,713 acres overnight, spreading across the Pacific Coast Highway into the steep mountainous terrain of the city, home to about 10,000 residents.
The fire, currently at zero containment, has destroyed a small number of homes but caused no injuries or fatalities, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. “We are going to have a coordinated ground and air assault,” Marrone said, adding that 300 additional firefighters will join the 700 already battling the blaze. “Time is of the essence due to the challenges in this area.”
Over 2,000 structures are under evacuation orders, with another 6,000 under warnings, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. Among those evacuating was actor Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday. He shared on Facebook that he, his wife, and their pets had left their home in Serra Retreat, expressing hope for his community’s survival.
Residents described the intensity of the winds, which the National Weather Service likened to a “blowtorch.” A red flag warning remains in effect as Santa Ana gusts, reaching up to 65 mph, create hazardous fire conditions, though winds are expected to ease by Wednesday.
Pepperdine University, initially under a shelter-in-place order, lifted restrictions Tuesday morning, allowing students to return to campus residences while urging them to stay off local roads. “Thankfully, there has been little damage to campus structures and no injuries reported,” said Pepperdine President Jim Gash.
Aircraft continue water drops, while firefighters work urgently to contain the blaze as it threatens Malibu’s picturesque terrain.
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