Malibu Brushfire Grows Threefold in One Hour, Prompting Widespread Evacuations – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
7:54 AM – Tuesday, December 10, 2024
A large and rapidly spreading brush fire in Malibu, California, has forced officials to implement mandatory evacuation orders as firefighters work to extinguish the flames.
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The three-alarm fire, referred to as the “Franklin Fire,” was first detected around 10:45 p.m. on Monday night near Malibu Canyon Road, close to Pepperdine University. Currently, a mandatory shelter-in-place order is in effect.
As of 3:47 a.m. local time (6:47 a.m. ET), the fire has expanded to 1,822 acres with 0% containment, crossing the Pacific Coast Highway and threatening nearby structures.
Footage shared on X shows students taking refuge inside a library as thick smoke and flames loom outside.
“Regardless of evacuation orders from Malibu city or surrounding regions, the University community should adhere to University directives,” tweeted Pepperdine University.
“We do not evacuate the campus even if neighboring areas do – this shelter-in-place procedure is sanctioned by LA County Fire and executed with their collaboration.”
“It’s incredibly stressful seeing the flames outside… we were terrified,” stated student Gaby Salgado, who is taking shelter in the university’s library, in a conversation with Fox Weather.
In the meantime, the fire broke out amid red flag warnings affecting 12 million people in Southern California, stretching from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, due to high Santa Ana winds, low moisture, and dry vegetation that fuel perilous fire conditions. Wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are expected, increasing the potential for fallen trees and power interruptions.
The relentless fire has consumed 1,674 acres with zero containment, putting hundreds of structures in immediate danger, according to Cal Fire’s latest update on Tuesday morning.
“Mandatory evacuation orders are activated east of Malibu Canyon Rd and south of Piuma Rd, including the Serra Retreat area,” stated the Los Angeles County Fire Department in a Facebook update.
Additionally, a mandatory evacuation has been instituted for Malibu Pier, Malibu Village Mall, and City Hall as of 1:45 a.m. PTD due to the “immediate threat to life.”
Consequently, authorities have closed a five-mile section of the Pacific Coast Highway from Carbon Canyon to Corral Canyon. A majority of the city is currently without power, with no indication of when it will be restored.
On Monday evening, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department went door-to-door in Malibu, using loudspeakers to urge residents to evacuate.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The National Weather Service has reported winds reaching up to 45 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 65 mph in the area.
The agency has also issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning for various locations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
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