MALIBU, Calif. — A fast-moving wildfire broke out late Monday night in Malibu Canyon, creating chaos and prompting evacuations as strong Santa Ana winds fanned the flames. The blaze, named the Franklin Fire, has already consumed over 100 acres and continues to spread rapidly, threatening homes, landmarks, and infrastructure.
The fire started around 10:45 p.m. near Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary. What began as a small 10-acre blaze quickly grew to over 100 acres within an hour, driven by dry brush and gusting winds. By midnight, emergency responders were issuing evacuation orders for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, including the Serra Retreat neighbourhood, a hilltop Catholic conference center.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Residents in the evacuation zones scrambled to leave their homes as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames. Meanwhile, Pepperdine University, located near the fire, instructed students and staff to shelter in place due to hazardous conditions and nearby road closures. The California Highway Patrol shut down the Pacific Coast Highway from Carbon Canyon to Corral Canyon to provide evacuees a safer exit route.
“Evacuations are mandatory in several areas,” said a Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson. “We urge residents to leave immediately and follow all safety guidelines. This is a rapidly evolving situation.”
Firefighting Efforts Escalate
To combat the Franklin Fire, firefighting agencies across Southern California deployed extensive resources, including multiple aircraft and ground crews. The blaze has reached a third-alarm status, signalling the need for additional reinforcements. Helicopters and water-dropping planes have circled the area, dousing flames to protect vulnerable structures.
However, firefighters face an uphill battle due to the challenging weather. Santa Ana winds, notorious for spreading wildfires, have gusted up to 60 mph in the area, creating dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) Fire Weather Warning, indicating extreme fire danger across Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Wednesday.
“These winds are relentless,” said Chief Mike Cornett, a spokesperson for CAL Fire. “They’re fueling the fire and pushing it south toward Santa Monica. Our crews are working around the clock to get control of the situation, but these conditions are some of the worst we’ve seen in years.”
Power Outages and Emergency Measures
The wildfire has also disrupted power across Malibu, including Pepperdine University. Utility companies, such as Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, have warned of potential power shutoffs to prevent fires caused by downed powerlines. Thousands of regional residents could face extended outages as officials prioritize safety.
Firefighters are urging residents in the warning zones to prepare for evacuation and create defensible space around their homes. “This is a stark reminder that preparation can save lives,” Cornett added. “If you’re in an area under a red flag warning, you need to be ready to leave immediately.”
Santa Ana Winds Worsen Fire Threat
The Santa Ana winds, a seasonal phenomenon in Southern California, are notorious for their ability to spread wildfires rapidly. These winds, which bring dry, warm air from inland areas toward the coast, have created perfect conditions for the Franklin Fire to thrive. Forecasters predict that wind gusts could reach up to 80 mph in some mountain areas, further complicating firefighting efforts.
“Relative humidity is dropping into the single digits, and winds are powerful,” said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “These overlapping factors make it very difficult to contain a fire like this. We could see extreme fire behaviour in the coming days.”
The winds are expected to peak on Tuesday before gradually subsiding by Wednesday afternoon. However, low humidity levels will persist, keeping fire danger high even after the winds die.
Community Impact and Preparedness
The Franklin Fire is the latest in a series of wildfires that have plagued Southern California this year. Last month, the Mountain Fire in Ventura County destroyed nearly 250 structures and burned almost 20,000 acres. Residents in the region are no strangers to the devastation these events can bring.
“It’s heartbreaking to watch this happen again,” said Maria Gonzalez, a longtime Malibu resident forced to evacuate her home in the Serra Retreat area. “You never get used to it. All we can do is hope the firefighters can keep it from spreading further.”
Local shelters have opened their doors to evacuees, offering temporary housing and support services. Animal rescue organizations are also on high alert, assisting in evacuating pets and livestock from affected areas.
The Role of Climate Change
Experts say the frequency and intensity of wildfires in California are increasing due to climate change. Hotter temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changing weather patterns have created a year-round fire season in the state. Thousands of acres have burned this year alone, and the fire season shows no signs of slowing down.
“Climate change is making these events more severe,” said Dr. Susan Baker, a fire ecologist at UCLA. “We’re seeing fires spread faster and burn hotter than ever before. Communities must adapt to this new reality and proactively reduce fire risks.”
Officials Urge Vigilance
Authorities urge residents to stay informed and heed all evacuation orders and warnings. Updates on the Franklin Fire are regularly shared through local news outlets and social media channels.
“Your safety is our top priority,” said a Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson. “Please stay out of evacuation zones and let our crews do their work. Together, we can get through this.”
Looking Ahead
As firefighting efforts continue, the focus remains on protecting lives and property. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the Franklin Fire, but investigations are underway.
For now, the residents of Malibu and the surrounding areas can only wait and hope for calmer weather. In the meantime, the brave men and women on the frontlines continue to battle the flames, determined to bring the Franklin Fire under control.
“Our firefighters are doing an incredible job under very challenging circumstances,” said Chief Cornett. “We’re all in this together and do everything we can to keep our community safe.”
The Franklin Fire is a stark reminder of the dangers of wildfire season in California. With strong winds still in the forecast, officials urge everyone to remain vigilant and prepared.
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