The Franklin Fire is a big brush fire that is causing a lot of worry as it burns through Malibu Canyon near Pepperdine University.
At 10:45 p.m., the fire was first seen near South Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary, just south of the Piuma area. It quickly spread to 314 acres, driven by strong Santa Ana winds and dangerously dry conditions.
Fire Threatens Malibu Canyon Residents
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said that while no buildings have been harmed yet, many are in danger as the fire gets closer to areas with people.
Late Monday night, evacuation orders were sent out, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helped by knocking on doors and using sirens to warn people.
Fire Approaches Pepperdine University.
Shelter-in-Place Order Issued for Campus Community
The Franklin fire became a bigger danger to Pepperdine University as it spread over the slopes, helped by the wind. Around 1:10 a.m., university officials told students and workers on the Malibu campus to stay put.
The university administration wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that everyone on the Malibu campus should stay put in the Tyler Campus Center or the Payson Library.
The government made it clear that their fire safety plans have been approved by Los Angeles County Fire and are carried out in close cooperation with the fire departments.
Even though people in the surrounding areas were told to evacuate, Pepperdine told its community to follow university-specific directions. The fire hasn’t directly affected the school yet, but officials have warned that power failures could happen because of the fire.
Massive Firefighting Efforts
Third Alarm Declared as Firefighters Deploy Resources
The Franklin Fire was labeled a Third Alarm event, which means that a lot of additional help was needed. Several planes with teams that dropped water on the fire were sent to put it out. The firefighters worked very hard to stop the fire from spreading to homes and the university.
Weather Conditions Intensify Danger
Red Flag Warning Highlights High-Risk Environment
Weather officials issued a red flag warning because of the dangerous conditions in Malibu, which are caused by strong Santa Ana winds and extremely low humidity.
Because of this “particularly dangerous situation,” Southern California Edison told tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County that their power might go out if the wind speed goes up.
Conditions like these helped start the Mountain Fire in Ventura County in November, which damaged more than 200 buildings and burned almost 20,000 acres.
A Community on High Alert
Local Coordination Key to Safety
People and government officials are still on high watch as of Tuesday morning because the Franklin Fire is still spreading. The safety of the community relies on how well firemen, police, and local officials work together.
Pepperdine University is still in close contact with fire officials. The university’s fire safety procedures should protect school buildings and people who are staying put.
Staying Prepared
A Call for Care in Areas That Are Likely to Catch Franklin Fire
During the dry and windy months, Southern California is very likely to have wildfires. The Franklin Fire is a stark reminder of this. People who live in places that are prone to fires should stay alert, follow escape orders, and have backup plans ready in case of an emergency.
The #FranklinFire has just erupted in Malibu, CA, fueled by extreme fire weather and 65 mph wind gusts.
Much of Malibu is now under a MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER. If you know someone in Malibu call them and urge them to evacuate if they haven’t been told so already. pic.twitter.com/tKCUO6pWxO
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) December 10, 2024
Officials in the affected areas stress how important it is to follow safety rules and stay away from places that aren’t necessary. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and other emergency services will keep everyone up to date on the fire’s progress and attempts to control it.
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In conclusion
As the Franklin Fire burns in Malibu Canyon, the community and first responders are being tested on how strong and ready they are.
As firefighters continue their hard-fought war against nature’s rage, safety remains the top goal for locals and the Pepperdine University community.
