‘Perilous’ Franklin Fire Spreads Quickly, Endangering Homes and University in Malibu | US News
Firefighters are currently fighting a perilous and swiftly spreading fire in Malibu, California.
The cause of the fire, referred to as the Franklin Fire, remains under investigation.
Officials from the LA County Fire Department have reported that approximately 2.6 square miles have been scorched, putting homes and structures at risk.
Malibu authorities noted that the fire is spreading at a “rapid rate,” prompting evacuation orders for about 6,000 residents.
To reduce the impact of California‘s infamous Santa Ana winds—warm and dry gusts from the northeast blowing towards the coast—electricity has been turned off. These winds typically manifest in autumn and can extend into winter and early spring.
Areas affected by the fire are expected to experience wind speeds reaching up to 65mph.
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Firefighters are being pushed back by strong winds while clearing fuel around Pepperdine University. Pic: AP
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning with an unusual alert for a “particularly dangerous situation” set to affect Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting Monday evening through Tuesday.
The fire is situated just north of Malibu, a small affluent city home to about 10,000 residents, many of whom are celebrities.
The flames have also encroached near Pepperdine University, which has canceled classes and advised students and staff to take shelter in a library or campus center.
Gabrielle Salgado, a student who sought refuge in the library, described her experience to KABC-TV, stating that witnessing the “growing flames” was “extremely frightening.”
The university communicated online that the most critical danger had passed, though smaller fires on campus were still present but not deemed a significant threat to life or property.
The Franklin Fire nearing Pepperdine University. Pic: AP
Evacuations at Pepperdine University due to the approaching blaze. Pic: AP
Fire engines were dispatched to the campus to address these blazes, as reported by the university.
Helicopters have been retrieving water from a lake in the university’s Alumni Park to drop on the nearby fire.
California faces a high risk of severe wildfires.
Recently, thousands of residents were compelled to evacuate due to “extremely dangerous and life-threatening fires” in Ventura County.
