The Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, rapidly grew overnight, consuming nearly 4,000 acres and forcing evacuations for most of the city. The blaze, fueled by Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, has destroyed at least seven homes and damaged nine others, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone.
While firefighters are making progress, with containment at 7%, the fire continues to disrupt life in Malibu. Over 12,600 residents remain under evacuation orders, with power outages affecting thousands more. Malibu’s emergency operations have relocated to Calabasas City Hall due to the fire’s impact on local infrastructure.
Among the high-profile evacuees are actor Dick Van Dyke and singer Cher. Meanwhile, Pepperdine University, which saw flames approach its campus, has lifted its shelter-in-place order as conditions slightly improve. Schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu district are closed, and officials continue to work on restoring power and providing safety measures.
As the community begins to assess the damage and rebuild, this tragedy underscores the importance of preparation and resilience in wildfire-prone areas. The Franklin Fire serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for ongoing vigilance.