Franklin fire Malibu explodes overnight, prompting evacuations

Franklin fire Malibu explodes overnight, prompting evacuations

A wildfire in Malibu, California, exploded overnight, forcing residents to evacuate and causing significant disruption within the area. The Franklin Fire, which started late Monday night, has already scorched over 2,200 acres and remains uncontained.

The Franklin Fire broke out shortly before 11 p.m. civil time Monday (2 a.m. ET Tuesday) within the Malibu Canyon area, consistent with the l.  a.   County local department. The blaze comes as many parts of Southern California are under red flag warnings due to strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity and dry vegetation — conditions ripe for dangerous wildfires. By around 7 a.m. civil time Tuesday, the hearth had grown to 2,200 acres and was 0% contained.

According to the town of Malibu, the blaze has spread across the Pacific Coast Highway (also referred to as Highway 1) toward the Malibu Pier area — a tourist attraction also beloved by locals and surfers.

City officials in Malibu have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents of Malibu Canyon because the fire continues to spread rapidly. Pepperdine University, located near the hearth, has activated its shelter-in-place protocol, directing students and staff to require refuge in designated campus buildings. Despite the evacuation orders, the university has emphasized that students should follow their instructions instead of those of the town.

The Franklin Fire has caused significant disruption within the area, with power outages affecting tens of thousands of residents. the hearth has also threatened many structures, including homes and businesses within the coastal community. While there are no reports of great injuries or fatalities, things remains volatile, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed about the newest developments.