Malibu wildfire rages as nearly 20k people face evacuation warnings
A massive wildfire in Malibu, California, has wreaked havoc as it continues to rage out of control, destroying structures and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. The Franklin Fire, as it is known, has scorched over 3,000 acres in just 24 hours, with zero containment as of Tuesday evening.
Authorities in Los Angeles County have issued mandatory evacuation orders for nearly 20,000 people in seven zones within the city limits, stretching from the Pacific coastline to the outskirts of Malibu Canyon. The evacuation orders are in place to ensure the safety of residents in the face of life-threatening conditions posed by the rapidly spreading flames.
More than 1,000 first responders from various agencies are on the scene, battling the blaze both on the ground and in the air. Despite their efforts, at least seven structures have been destroyed and eight others damaged in Malibu. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time.
The fire has led to road closures along Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Kanan Dume Road, with access limited to residents evacuating the area and emergency personnel. Additionally, there is a hard closure at Los Virgenes Road at Mulholland Highway, to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has dispatched over 150 deputies to assist with road closures, evacuations, and security patrols in Malibu. The region remains under threat as a Red Flag Warning is in effect due to powerful Santa Ana winds, which have fueled the fire’s rapid spread.
Pepperdine University issued a shelter-in-place order, which remains in effect as firefighters continue to battle the blaze. The school is monitoring the situation closely and will reassess the conditions in the community before lifting the order.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that a Fire Management Assistance Grant has been secured through FEMA to aid in the firefighting efforts in Malibu. The grant will provide 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs for local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the Franklin Fire.
As the fire continues to burn unchecked, residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and warnings to ensure their safety. The tireless efforts of firefighters and first responders are crucial in containing the blaze and protecting lives and property in Malibu.
