Franklin Fire Erupts in Malibu: Rapid Spread Prompts Evacuations and Road Closures
A brush fire erupted late Monday evening near Malibu Canyon Road in Malibu, fueled by Santa Ana winds and Red Flag conditions. The wildfire, termed the “Franklin Fire,” quickly spread, prompting mandatory evacuations and road closures in the area.
The nonprofit organization Watch Duty, which monitors wildfires, first reported the blaze at approximately 10:48 p.m. California Highway Patrol (CHP) logs confirm the timing. Initially burning in dense brush, the fire grew rapidly; by 11:18 p.m., it spanned 30 acres. By 11:54 p.m., it had escalated to three-alarm status, covering 100 acres, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). A fire-mapping aircraft later recorded the fire’s size at 314 acres shortly before 1 a.m.
To combat the fire, LA County firefighters utilized water-dropping helicopters alongside ground crews. Franklin Fire originated near Malibu Canyon Road, situated between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Piuma Road, necessitating the closure of both sides of Malibu Canyon Road and a section of PCH. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for areas including Serra Retreat, as indicated on the City of Malibu’s website.
For evacuees, the Palisades Recreation Center, located at 851 Alma Real Drive in Pacific Palisades, was designated as a Temporary Evacuation Point. Additionally, Pierce College in Woodland Hills was prepared to accommodate large animals, offering refuge at 6201 Winnetka Avenue.
Pepperdine University, situated in Malibu, assured its community that it would not evacuate students or staff but instead implemented its wildfire safety plan. Franklin Fire- university activated its shelter-in-place protocol, instructing individuals on campus to gather in designated safe locations such as the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library. This directive was shared via social media at 1:09 a.m.
Despite the fire’s rapid growth, there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage. Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze, which remains unknown at this time.
Residents and those affected by the Franklin Fire are urged to monitor official updates and adhere to evacuation orders as crews work to contain the fire and ensure public safety.
A wildfire erupted late Monday evening off Malibu Canyon Road in Malibu, driven by strong Santa Ana winds and Red Flag conditions that heightened fire risk. Dubbed the “Franklin Fire,” the blaze quickly escalated, prompting emergency responses, road closures, and widespread evacuation orders.
The fire was first reported at 10:48 p.m at Franklin Fire. , according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) logs. Initial reports from Watch Duty, a nonprofit organization monitoring wildfires, indicated the fire was burning in heavy brush. By 11:18 p.m., the fire had consumed 30 acres, and within just 36 minutes, it reached 100 acres, achieving three-alarm status, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). By 1 a.m., a fire-mapping aircraft measured the blaze’s spread at a staggering 314 acres.
Firefighters on the ground were supported by water-dropping helicopters as they tackled the flames. The fire’s location, near Malibu Canyon Road between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Piuma Road, led to significant road closures. Both directions of Malibu Canyon Road and parts of PCH were shut down to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure public safety.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for several areas, including Serra Retreat, a residential community near Malibu Canyon. The City of Malibu posted the evacuation order on its website, urging residents to leave immediately. The County of Los Angeles later released detailed evacuation maps, highlighting a broad evacuation zone stretching north from PCH, while areas to the east and northeast were placed under evacuation warnings. Updated information was made available through the City of Malibu’s website and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lost Hills Station on social media.Temporary shelters were established to accommodate displaced residents. The Palisades Recreation Center, located at 851 Alma Real Drive in Pacific Palisades, was designated as a Temporary Evacuation Point. Additionally, Pierce College in Woodland Hills provided facilities for large animals at 6201 Winnetka Avenue.
Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, activated its wildfire safety protocol but opted not to evacuate students and staff. Instead, the university implemented a shelter-in-place plan, directing all community members on campus to designated safe locations, such as the Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library. The university confirmed this protocol via social media at 1:09 a.m., reassuring the community that it was prepared to manage the situation.
Despite the fire’s rapid progression, there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage. However, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the blaze but are focused on containment efforts and ensuring the safety of affected communities.
The Franklin Fire serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by Southern California’s fire-prone conditions. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and monitor official updates for the latest information. Fire crews continue to work tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, prioritizing public safety and minimizing damage.
