Franklin Fire Forces Evacuations in Malibu; 2,200 Acres Burned, Pepperdine Cancels Classes

Dec 10, 2024, 12:50 PM

A fast-moving wildfire named the Franklin Fire erupted just before 11 p.m. Monday night in Malibu, California, prompting mandatory evacuations and threatening structures, including near Pepperdine University. The blaze started on December 10, 2024, in the area of Malibu Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway and quickly grew from 10 acres to over 2,200 acres within hours, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 65 mph. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, including the Serra Retreat area, Tuna Canyon to Puerco Canyon, and warnings extended to Trancas Canyon. The fire jumped both Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, threatening homes near the Malibu Pier, Malibu Road, Malibu Knolls, and Sweetwater Mesa. Some structures in the Serra Retreat area have been consumed by flames, but no injuries have been reported. Pepperdine University activated its shelter-in-place protocol, with students and staff instructed to remain in campus buildings such as the library, where students posted videos showing flames approaching campus. Classes and final exams scheduled for Tuesday were canceled. Power outages affected much of the campus and the Malibu area and are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. All schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District were closed on Tuesday due to the fire. Evacuation centers were established at the Palisades Recreation Center, with Pierce College accommodating large animals. Approximately 12,000 people are under evacuation orders as firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other agencies battle the blaze amid dangerous fire conditions due to the strong winds and low humidity.