Malibu Franklin Fire: About 20% contained, some residents can return home soon as cause remains under investigation
Roughly 20,000 face evacuations in Malibu, including some celebrities, as fire continues to rage near Los Angeles
A fast-moving wildfire scorched more than 4,000 acres in Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames raced toward homes, horse farms and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire, another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Officials confirmed nine structures were destroyed and six had been damaged. Fire officials said it will take a “number of days” to put out the blaze, which was 20 percent contained early Thursday afternoon. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
The strongest winds in the area had passed and meteorologists said high fire dangers decreased, which aided efforts to contain the fire. Evacuations in Malibu displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Mayor Doug Stewart said earlier in the week that the fire had marked a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city.
More than 1,900 personnel continued to battle the blaze, with many roads closed and others under security patrols. Some areas would reopen to residents.
“To those who are still waiting, know that every efforts is being made to ensure your safety and your return as soon as possible,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.
Students shelter as Franklin Fire burns meters from Pepperdine University windows
Students shelter as Franklin Fire burns meters from Pepperdine University windows
Los Angeles County officials say fire acreage increased by 39 percent overnight
The Franklin Fire increased in acreage by 39 percent overnight, Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday morning.
As the brush fire grew along its western edge, it threatened the Malibu Beach RV park.
Thus far, nine structures have been damaged in the blaze, and seven others were destroyed.
Crews are continuing to work to establish containment lines and defense structures. More than 1,500 personnel were assigned to the incident.
While they have made some headway, the entire fire area remains under threat as long as red flag conditions continue, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone explained.
The red flag event was expected to end around 6 p.m. PST.
Fire personnel, Marrone said, would remain on the scene until the fire is contained.
“They’re all working to protect our community and we thank all of the affected residents for their cooperation and especially for their resilience,” he told reporters.
As 19K residents are affected by Franklin Fire, its cause remains under investigation
The cause of the Franklin Fire remained under investigation on Wednesday.
The nearly 4,000-acre blaze has forced thousands of Malibu residents from their neighborhoods.
There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a morning news briefing. Luna said that was a “huge victory” and a testament to residents’ excellent cooperation.
“Our priority continues to be the safety of our residents,” he said.
Luna, urging people to remain alert, said that no crimes had been reported in places that were threatened by the wildfire. He also announced additional road closures in the area.
There are 19,982 people and 7,560 structures in the affected area. In addition, 12,600 people are under evacuation orders and 7,382 are under evacuation warnings
Wednesday is the last day of the severe fire weather warning, Lindsey Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said his city was far better off this morning than before, noting that traffic signals were utilizing back-up generator power. Some traffic signals on highway on- and off-ramps were temporarily out on Tuesday.
“It’s inspiring and it’s humbling to have this level of support,” he said.
Wildfire smoke advisory remains in place through Wednesday afternoon
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory around Los Angeles County and the site of the Franklin Fire on Wednesday.
The advisory is valid until 5 p.m. PST.
Malibu City Council member says his home will be ‘uninhabitable'
A Malibu City Council member said his home was damaged in the Franklin Fire.
“The house is going to be uninhabitable,” Bruce Silverstein told The New York Times on Tuesday night. “It needs a major, major amount of work.”
He said that the fire appeared to have entered the building through the chimney, burning one side on the inside.
Nearly 200 engines are working on the Franklin Fire
There are more than 1,500 personnel working on the Franklin Fire.
In addition, Cal Fire reported that numerous firefighting air tankers were flying fire suppression missions.
There are also 187 engines, 56 dozers, and 12 water tenders.
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