Franklin Fire in Malibu only 7% contained, but improving weather could aid crews fighting 4,000-acre blaze: Live
A fast-moving wildfire has scorched 4,000 acres in Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames advanced on homes, horse farms and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire, yet another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, has left a trail of destruction as officials confirmed seven structures destroyed and nine damaged.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meteorologists warned that even though the strongest winds in the area have passed, high fire dangers have decreased. That should aid efforts to contain the fire.
Evacuations have displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Malibu mayor Doug Stewart called it a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city, as emergency operations relocated to Calabasas after the city hall was threatened.
"It burns, it grows back, and we're resilient," Stewart said.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze with many roads closed and others under security patrols.
At Pepperdine University, 3,000 students sheltered in place as smoke and embers engulfed the campus. “Ash was everywhere, embers were everywhere,” said a student, Bethany Kronlund.
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Malibu resident recalls fire moving toward RV park
Wednesday 11 December 2024 22:00 , Julia Musto
A Malibu man is recalling the moment the Franklin Fire approached the city’s RV park.
“You could see the fires rolling in, in over the canyon. It was like ‘Holy crap, this is real,’ ” Shawn Smith told The Associated Press.
Smith was asleep when someone knocked on his mobile home to wake him up.
A day, later, he returned to find that the RV park had been saved by firefighters.
“We got lucky,” he said.
Here’s how to help people affected by the fire
Wednesday 11 December 2024 21:00 , Julia Musto
Malibu’s Franklin Fire has now spread over more than 4,000 acres
Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:42 , Julia Musto
Malibu’s Franklin Fire has now spread over more than 4,000 acres, according to Cal Fire.
The 4,031-acre blaze is still 7 percent contained.
Photos show devastation of Malibu wildfire
Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:34 , Julia Musto
Here are the latest evacuation and shelter updates
Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:15 , Julia Musto
Meta social media platforms are down as the fire continues to burn
Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:00 , Julia Musto
All of Meta’s platforms – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads – appear to have broken in a huge outage.
“Hi, we know there’s a technical issue impacting some people’s ability to access Instagram,” it wrote on the official Instagram page on X/Twitter. “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience.”
The Independent’s Andrew Griffin has the latest:
Malibu Library remains closed
Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:45 , Julia Musto
Malibu Library remains closed due to the Franklin Fire. Stay safe everyone.
— Malibu Library (@MalibuLibrary) December 11, 2024
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors chair assures progress is being made
Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:30 , Julia Musto
🚨FRANKLIN FIRE UPDATE 🚨The Franklin Fire is at 7% containment and we’re working with federal, state and local partners to continue to manage this emergency.
This is still fire weather — Continue to check https://t.co/UXtGiH4poU for safety information and updates 🤝 pic.twitter.com/OtRXg91wCY— Lindsey P. Horvath (@LindseyPHorvath) December 11, 2024
Power outages in California continue to fall
Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:15 , Julia Musto
Fewer than 50,000 California customers were without power on Wednesday, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.
That tally had exceeded 60,000 on Tuesday.
Smoke advisory is extended
Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:14 , Julia Musto
WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY EXTENDED (Wednesday, December 11 - Thursday, December 12):#FranklinFire burning in Malibu Creek State Park continues to affect our air quality: https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/W2fjGszgvH
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) December 11, 2024
Returning home after a wildfire? Here’s what to do
Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:00 , Julia Musto
Stay away until officials say it's okay!
When you're able to return home after a wildfire, check anywhere in & around your home that was exposed to embers. “Hot spots” on the ground can prove dangerous to humans & structures
Wildfire preparedness tips at https://t.co/pmfpuVtxvq pic.twitter.com/waXJGC6rIh— Listos California (@ListosCA) December 11, 2024
Malibu resident says fireproofing helped protect her home
Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:45 , Julia Musto
Fireproofing steps helped to protect a Malibu resident’s home from the Franklin Fire.
Rosie Rains said she had recently trimmed her trees and cleared surrounding brush from her yard, according to KABC-TV.
She also put safer pre-burnt wood on her roof and built a firetruck turnaround in her yard.
“There are a lot of people up here that don’t do that,” she told the station. “You’re only as safe as what your neighbors are doing.”
Winter doesn’t prevent wildfires, Cal Fire chief says
Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:30 , Julia Musto
Winter doesn’t prevent wildfires, and it doesn’t stop us! Year-round, CAL FIRE’s aircraft remain ready to respond when wildfires ignite. Just yesterday, our airtankers and helicopters were hard at work, delivering over 7,000 gallons of fire retardant and water to protect lives… pic.twitter.com/OUOfvkGiYg
— CAL FIRE Chief (@CALFIRE_CHIEF) December 11, 2024
Nearly 200 engines are working on the Franklin Fire
Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:15 , Julia Musto
There are more than 1,500 personnel working on the Franklin Fire.
In addition, Cal Fire reported that numerous firefighting air tankers were flying fire suppression missions.
There are also 187 engines, 56 dozers, and 12 water tenders.
Malibu City Council member says his home will be ‘uninhabitable'
Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:00 , Julia Musto
A Malibu City Council member said his home was damaged in the Franklin Fire.
“The house is going to be uninhabitable,” Bruce Silverstein told The New York Times on Tuesday night. “It needs a major, major amount of work.”
He said that the fire appeared to have entered the building through the chimney, burning one side on the inside.
City of Agoura Hills encourages residents to stay prepared
Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:47 , Julia Musto
Our hearts are with our neighbors in Malibu as they face the challenges of the Franklin Fire. We are thinking of everyone affected. We encourage our community stay prepared as the Red Flag Warning in the region is still in effect until 6 p.m. today. pic.twitter.com/qhstXNm3Hr
— City of Agoura Hills (@CityAgouraHills) December 11, 2024
Wildfire smoke advisory remains in place through Wednesday afternoon
Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:30 , Julia Musto
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory around Los Angeles County and the site of the Franklin Fire on Wednesday.
The advisory is valid until 5 p.m. PST.
Air Quality Forecast (Wednesday, December 11th): https://t.co/szsyGAFunD
🏖 Coastal: Moderate
🏙 LA: Good -to- Moderate
🌅 OC: Moderate
🌄 Inland Empire: Good -to- Moderate
🌴 Coachella Valley: Good pic.twitter.com/KOm7cR0U0k— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) December 11, 2024
Here are the new road closures, evacuation areas
Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:15 , Julia Musto
Pepperdine University says its power has been restored
Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:00 , Julia Musto
Power has been restored to the Malibu campus.
Law enforcement continues to enforce road blocks on Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway.— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 11, 2024
As 19K residents are affected by Franklin Fire, its cause remains under investigation
Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:43 , Julia Musto
The cause of the Franklin Fire remained under investigation on Wednesday.
The nearly 4,000-acre blaze has forced thousands of Malibu residents from their neighborhoods.
There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a morning news briefing. Luna said that was a “huge victory” and a testament to residents’ excellent cooperation.
“Our priority continues to be the safety of our residents,” he said.
Luna, urging people to remain alert, said that no crimes had been reported in places that were threatened by the wildfire. He also announced additional road closures in the area.
There are 19,982 people and 7,560 structures in the affected area. In addition, 12,600 people are under evacuation orders and 7,382 are under evacuation warnings
Wednesday is the last day of the severe fire weather warning, Lindsey Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said his city was far better off this morning than before, noting that traffic signals were utilizing back-up generator power. Some traffic signals on highway on- and off-ramps were temporarily out on Tuesday.
“It’s inspiring and it’s humbling to have this level of support,” he said.
Los Angeles County officials say fire acreage increased by 39 percent overnight
Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:29 , Julia Musto
The Franklin Fire increased in acreage by 39 percent overnight, Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday morning.
As the brush fire grew along its western edge, it threatened the Malibu Beach RV park.
Thus far, nine structures have been damaged in the blaze, and seven others were destroyed.
Crews are continuing to work to establish containment lines and defense structures. More than 1,500 personnel were assigned to the incident.
While they have made some headway, the entire fire area remains under threat as long as red flag conditions continue, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone explained.
The red flag event was expected to end around 6 p.m. PST.
Fire personnel, Marrone said, would remain on the scene until the fire is contained.
“They’re all working to protect our community and we thank all of the affected residents for their cooperation and especially for their resilience,” he told reporters.
Students shelter as Franklin Fire burns meters from Pepperdine University windows
Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:15 , Julia Musto
Students shelter as Franklin Fire burns meters from Pepperdine University windows
Firefighters work to put out Franklin Fire’s flames as blaze grows
Wednesday 11 December 2024 15:45 , Julia Musto
Malibu fire map: Thousands of acres of California scorched by wildfires as 20,000 evacuate
Wednesday 11 December 2024 15:30 , Julia Musto
Malibu fire map: 3,000 acres of California scorched by wildfires
Los Angeles fire officials to hold morning press conference
Wednesday 11 December 2024 15:15 , Julia Musto
#FranklinFire There will be a press conference at 8:00 a.m. at Zuma Beach Lifeguard Tower, 30050 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 9026. Officials will provide an update on this incident.#LACoFD #Malibu
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) December 11, 2024
These roads are closed because of the Franklin Fire
Wednesday 11 December 2024 14:55 , Julia Musto
🚨Franklin Fire Closure Update🚨
PCH between Topanga Canyon Blvd and Kanan Dume Rd remains closed and additional closures have been updated:
Cold Canyon Rd at Piuma Road
Las Virgenes Rd at Piuma Road
Saddle Peak Rd at Tuna Canyon Rd
Mulholland Hwy at Stunt Rd@CHPsouthern— CHP - West Valley (@CHPWestValley) December 11, 2024
Pepperdine University says fire activity around campus is ‘greatly diminished'
Wednesday 11 December 2024 14:35 , Julia Musto
Fire activity around Pepperdine’s Malibu campus has greatly diminished as the Franklin Fire has burned through most of the fuel immediately surrounding campus, but some flames are still visible in small pockets of campus.
Firefighters continue to respond to and put out…— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 11, 2024
Nearly 4,000-acre Franklin Fire is nearly 7 percent contained
Wednesday 11 December 2024 14:12 , Julia Musto
Malibu’s Franklin Fire had spread over nearly 4,000 acres by Wednesday mroning.
The blaze scorched 3,983 acres, Cal Fire reported.
However, the agency also reported that firefighters had made some progress. The wildfire is 7 percent contained.
Photos: Destruction caused by Malibu wildfires
Wednesday 11 December 2024 13:15 , Stuti Mishra
Why Pepperdine students sheltered in place as wildfire threatened their campus
Wednesday 11 December 2024 12:15 , Stuti Mishra
The wildfire alert came in the middle of the night as some college students in Southern California were cramming for final exams and others were woken up in their dorms.
But rather than run away from the impending blaze, some 3,000 students at Pepperdine University headed toward two buildings at the heart of the 830-acre (336-hectare) campus in coastal Malibu, California, to shelter in place.
The protocol at the Christian university with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean may seem to defy logic to those accustomed to scenes elsewhere in wildfire-prone California of thousands of residents evacuating fire zones in lengthy caravans of cars.
Read more:
When fire threatened a California university, the school says it knew what to do
Wildfires conditions to ease by the end of the week
Wednesday 11 December 2024 11:15 , Stuti Mishra
Firefighters in Southern California are continuing to battle the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which has scorched more than 3,000 acres since igniting late on Monday.
Although the powerful Santa Ana winds that fuelled the fire have begun to subside, forecasters warn that wildfire risks remain high through Wednesday due to low humidity.
Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, told the New York Times that wind speeds, which peaked at 50mph on Tuesday, are expected to drop below 20mph by midday Wednesday. However, the dry conditions could still allow new fires to spark.
By Thursday, an increase in humidity and ocean breezes are expected to reduce the risk, with forecasters predicting light rain by the end of the week, offering some relief to the fire-stricken region.
Watch: California night sky glows orange as Franklin Fire rages
Wednesday 11 December 2024 09:30 , Stuti Mishra
Mark Hamill in lockdown as Franklin Fire burns through Malibu
Wednesday 11 December 2024 08:45 , Stuti Mishra
Mark Hamill, the 73-year-old “Star Wars” actor, shared on social media that he was in lockdown as the Franklin Fire continued to rage through Malibu Canyon.
“I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle,” Hamill joked.
The Franklin Fire, which ignited Monday night, has burned over 3,000 acres and remains 0 per cent contained as of Tuesday night, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders across the region.
Fire concerns remain high on Wednesday
Wednesday 11 December 2024 08:00 , Stuti Mishra
The worst of the winds may have passed but forecasters believe the risk of fires spreading further remains high on Wednesday.
“Another day of fire weather concerns in store for southern California tomorrow,” the National Weather Service said in a Tuesday update.
Another day of fire weather concerns in store for southern California tomorrow.
Wildfires are caused by a spark (usually man-made) in the presence of fuel (dry vegetation) and oxygen. Strong winds, high temperatures, low humidity and drought conditions can further impact the… https://t.co/GbmJAZIdaz— National Weather Service (@NWS) December 10, 2024
Photos: Firefighters work as the Franklin Fire burns on
Wednesday 11 December 2024 07:30 , Stuti Mishra
Video: Fire seen from inside the Payson Library at Pepperdine University
Wednesday 11 December 2024 07:00 , Stuti Mishra
The terrifying view from inside the Payson Library at Pepperdine University as the Franklin Fire raged outside in Malibu, CA. https://t.co/GO5kuryFZ5 pic.twitter.com/vbggtFX4JZ
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 10, 2024
'Super apocalyptic': Students describe evacuating university amid wildfires
Wednesday 11 December 2024 06:36 , Stuti Mishra
As the Franklin Fire tore through Malibu late on Monday, 3,000 Pepperdine University students sheltered in place on campus, bracing for smoke and embers that filled the air.
Abigail Ballhagen and Bethany Kronlund, juniors and co-resident assistants, described the experience as terrifying. They helped evacuate students from dorms to the school’s library while flames advanced nearby. “Ash was everywhere, embers were everywhere,” Ms Kronlund told AP.
Ms Ballhagen added: “It felt super apocalyptic.”
University spokesperson Michael Friel confirmed that while parts of the campus were “singed,” there was no major damage. Classes and final exams were cancelled on Tuesday as the fire pushed past the school, sparing it from more severe impacts.
The wildfire, driven by Santa Ana winds, has scorched over 3,000 acres and continues to pose a threat to nearby areas.
Video: Satellite video shows smoke from Franklin fire
Wednesday 11 December 2024 06:05 , Stuti Mishra
Satellite view of the smoke from #FranklinFire near Malibu 🔥 pic.twitter.com/prDQe7OivZ
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) December 10, 2024
Dick Van Dyke prays for escaped family cat as he evacuates amid Malibu wildfires
Wednesday 11 December 2024 05:36 , Stuti Mishra
The actor Dick Van Dyke was among thousands forced to evacuate as the Franklin Fire ravaged Malibu, burning over 3,000 acres and leaving devastation in its wake.
The 98-year-old shared on Facebook that he and his wife, Arlene Silver, managed to leave their Serra Retreat home with most of their animals, but their beloved cat Bobo escaped during the chaos.
“We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires,” Van Dyke wrote, amid evacuations just days before his 99th birthday.
He later posted a video of Bobo, where the ginger cat is seen playing and scratching himself in a garden, adding, “Hoping Bobo is ok.”
The fast-moving wildfire, fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds, has placed much of Malibu under evacuation orders, displacing thousands of residents, including celebrities like Van Dyke and Cher.
Franklin fire grows to 3,000 acres
Wednesday 11 December 2024 05:00 , Stuti Mishra
The Franklin Fire in Malibu has expanded overnight, scorching over 3,000 acres near Pepperdine University and forcing thousands to evacuate.
At a Tuesday news conference, officials confirmed that the fire has destroyed seven structures and damaged eight more, based on preliminary assessments. Firefighting and evacuation efforts are ongoing as crews work to contain the blaze.
In photos: Air tanker drops retardant as Franklin Fire burns in Malibu
Wednesday 11 December 2024 04:46 , Stuti Mishra
Recap: Franklin fire tears through 2,800 acres in Malibu
Wednesday 11 December 2024 04:10 , Stuti Mishra
The Franklin Fire in Malibu has scorched over 2,800 acres and destroyed at least seven structures as of Tuesday evening, Los Angeles county officials confirmed.
Aerial images show that seven structures were destroyed and eight others damaged, fire chief Anthony Marrone said, adding that a more accurate assessment will be conducted on Wednesday by damage inspection teams.
Over 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, while the Los Angeles county sheriff’s department is managing 32 operations, including evacuations, road closures, and security patrols in the area.
“Fire can be extremely unpredictable, and we highly encourage residents in the fire areas to be prepared, have a plan, and heed our evacuation warnings and orders,” said Cpt Jennifer Seetoo.
Around 20,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders or warnings due to the wildfire.
Malibu man recalls his family waking up to an ‘inferno’
Wednesday 11 December 2024 00:30 , Julia Musto
A Malibu man is recalling the moment his family woke up to the swiftly-approaching flames of California’s Franklin Fire.
“My son’s got a little bit of shellshock, he’s definitely feeling a little anxious,” Nick Smyth, 43, told The Associated Press. Smyth lives on a farm in the Serra Retreat community with his wife and two children. “They woke up to an inferno outside their bedroom.”
His wife had packed getaway bags before they went to sleep on Monday and were awakened by a neighbor shouting a few hours later.
They evacuated the area and went to a friend’s house outside of Malibu. He believes their home is safe.
Photos show continued response to Franklin Fire
Tuesday 10 December 2024 22:10 , Julia Musto
Newsom acknowledges wildfire season is ‘year-round’ in California
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:22 , Julia Musto
There are 866 personnel working on the Franklin Fire, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.
The Democratic leader said the brush fire proved that fire season is not a season in the state.
“It’s year-round in the state of California ... We’re in the middle of December and yet we’re experiencing yet another wildfire in southern California,” he said.
This year, more than 7,900 fires have burned over a million acres across California.
🔴LIVE >> In Colusa County, @CAGovernor Newsom will highlight efforts to build water infrastructure, faster and create jobs.https://t.co/8BMEI7QZuZ
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 10, 2024
Another brush fire has led to evacuation orders in San Diego
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:10 , Julia Musto
#Border79Fire A brush fire is burning near Barrett Truck Trail and State Route 94 in Marron Valley. An EVACUATION ORDER (red) and EVACUATION WARNING (yellow) has been issued for the areas in the maps below.
To see maps of the affected areas, visit: https://t.co/KRXry2OWyB and… pic.twitter.com/bDyvZIAQPq— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) December 10, 2024
#Border79Fire The fire is now mapped at 24 acres and is 10% contained. Updated acreage provided by sensor aircraft. pic.twitter.com/yID2AIyFHv
— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) December 10, 2024
Local state of emergency declared in Los Angeles County
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:04 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles County officials declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday.
The declaration would unlock additional resources for the county and expedite its ability to address immediate needs as well as work on recovery.
“This wildfire poses a serious threat in our County and the safety of our residents is our top priority,” said County Board Chair Kathryn Barger. “By signing this emergency proclamation, we are ensuring that local authorities have the support they need to respond effectively to protect Malibu and surrounding areas.”
Celebrities are evacuated from their homes
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:37 , Julia Musto
Actor Dick Van Dyke, 98, was among residents evacuated from their homes due to the wildfire.
“Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote on Facebook. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
Bobo is Van Dyke’s orange cat.
Oscar winner Mira Sorvino announced that she had also evacuated overnight.
“All my Malibu friends and neighbors I pray that you are safe,” she said. “We evacuated in the middle of the night, kids and pets all accounted for! Scary times!!”
The famous singer Cher was also evacuated to a hotel on Monday night with her pets, her publicist Liz Rosenberg told The New York Times.
A request for comment from Rosenberg was not immediately returned.
