Malibu Franklin wildfire explodes; here's the damages it caused

The Franklin wildfire in Malibu has rapidly escalated, prompting significant emergency measures and evacuations. Here are the key details regarding the situation:

Overview of the Franklin Wildfire
Ignition and Spread: The wildfire ignited around 10:50 PM on December 9, 2024, and quickly expanded from approximately 10 acres to over 800 acres within just a few hours, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds. As of the latest reports, the fire has consumed more than 1,800 acres. Reports say the fire has tripled in size in just an hour.


Location: The fire is primarily affecting areas north of the Pacific Coast Highway, particularly near Malibu Canyon Road and close to Pepperdine University.

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Evacuations and Emergency Measures
Mandatory Evacuations: Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 6,000 residents and more than 2,000 structures in areas east of Malibu Canyon and south of Piuma Road. Additional evacuation warnings extend to about 12,500 residents, covering more than 6,000 structures.

Evacuation Centers: Temporary evacuation facilities have been established at locations such as the Palisades Recreation Center, which is accepting large animals as well. The American Red Cross is providing support at these centers.

Impact on Pepperdine University
Shelter-in-Place Protocol: Pepperdine University has implemented a shelter-in-place order for students and staff. Classes and finals have been canceled for the day due to the proximity of the fire. The university has reported power outages on campus but stated that the main threat from the fire has passed.
Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters are actively working to protect structures on campus and have been utilizing water from campus lakes for aerial firefighting efforts.

Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning due to extreme fire danger conditions, including wind gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour and humidity levels as low as 8%. These conditions have created a particularly dangerous environment for fire spread.

Current Situation
As of now, firefighters are continuing their efforts to control the blaze while monitoring its progression. Local authorities have urged residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for potential power outages and unsafe road conditions. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing updates expected as firefighting efforts continue.