A fiery nightmare is unfolding in Malibu as the Franklin Fire, igniting late at 10:45 p.m., rages through more than 100 acres near Malibu Canyon Road. Ferocious Santa Ana winds, gusting up to 65 mph, are driving the blaze toward homes, threatening lives and structures in its relentless path.
The #FranklinFire has grown to over 100 acres east of Malibu Canyon Rd. Intense nighttime firefight underway with heavy winds reaching 45 mph.#Malibu #Wildfire #FranklinFireUpdate
Mandatory evacuations ordered for Serra Retreat. The fire is spreading rapidly 3 miles… pic.twitter.com/SkiKQCY5B2
— Mr. Shaz (@Wh_So_Serious) December 10, 2024
Mandatory evacuations are forcing residents east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road to flee in the dead of night. Meanwhile, Pepperdine University students have been ordered to shelter in place, bracing for the fire’s approach. Power outages affecting tens of thousands add to the chaos, as authorities attempt to mitigate the risk of wind-driven sparks.
Firefighters are battling to control the inferno under red flag warning conditions, a grim alert issued by the National Weather Service. The cause remains unknown, but dry terrain and roaring winds are fanning the flames, making containment efforts grueling.
This unfolding disaster underscores the unrelenting wildfire threats Southern California faces year after year. It’s a haunting reminder of nature’s fury and the critical need for vigilance and preparation in high-risk areas.
Sources:
https://deadline.com/2024/12/franklin-fire-central-malibu-wind-evacuation-1236199270/
https://news.yahoo.com/news/malibu-fire-erupts-near-pepperdine-112500441.html