A wildfire in Malibu, nicknamed the Franklin Fire, forced the evacuation of 6,000 people near Pepperdine University. Burning 2,000 square miles amid powerful Santa Ana winds, the fire threatened homes and landmarks, including the historic Malibu Pier. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze and classes at Pepperdine have been canceled.
Franklin Fire in Malibu: Quick Overviews
- Lieu:Near Pepperdine University, extending south toward the Pacific Coast.
- Size and scope:2.8 square miles were burned, threatening more than 2,000 structures and prompting 6,000 evacuations.
- Pepperdine Status:Classes have been canceled; students stayed home while firefighters dealt with smaller spot fires.
- Monuments under threat:The Malibu Pier is briefly threatened but remains intact.
- Weather impact:Santa Ana winds are exacerbating the spread of the fire, with gusts up to 65 mph expected.
Malibu fire near Pepperdine prompts evacuations, threatens homes
Deep look
Malibu firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, that broke out early Tuesday and has already ravaged at least 2.8 square miles. Fueled by intense Santa Ana winds, the fire forced evacuations of approximately 6,000 people, including students and residents near Pepperdine University.
The scene at Pepperdine
Students at Pepperdine University sheltered in the campus library, watching the fire worsen as the sky turned an ominous red.
“Seeing that bright red color of the fire getting more and more intense, it was terrifying,” student Gabrielle Salgado told KABC-TV.
Firefighting assets, including helicopters and engines, were deployed to campus to combat the localized fires, which, according to a university statement, “did not threaten life or structures.” Pepperdine canceled classes and final exams, implementing a stay-at-home order to prioritize student safety.
The reach of the fire
The Franklin Fire spread south, crossing the Pacific Coast Highway and reaching the ocean. At one point, the historic Malibu Pier was under threat, but firefighters managed to protect it, leaving the structure intact.
While a damage assessment is underway, Malibu city spokesperson Matt Myerhoff confirmed, “A number of homes are definitely going to be severely damaged. »
Weather conditions are getting worse
The fire is being aggravated by Southern California’s notorious Santa Ana winds, which are dry, hot and violent winds that often start and spread wildfires. Forecasts call for gusts of up to 65 mph, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning, including a rare “particularly hazardous situation” designation for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
To mitigate the risks, power companies cut power to tens of thousands of residents Monday evening. to prevent sparks from damaged electrical equipment.
Current efforts
Firefighters continue to battle the Franklin Fire using aerial water drops from the lakes at Pepperdine Alumni Park. Despite progress in protecting key structures, the fire remains uncontrolled as it advances along the coastline.
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