Public urged to avoid Malibu at all costs as Franklin Fire threatens thousands, California
The Franklin Fire has rapidly engulfed 1 233 ha (3 049 acres) in Malibu, California since its start late Monday night, December 9, 2024, prompting mandatory evacuations for thousands and leaving firefighters battling zero containment as of Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024. The blaze is currently threatening around 18 000 citizens along with over 8 000 structures. Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the Malibu area at all costs.
Firefighters engaging the Franklin Fire in Malibu. Image credit: Los Angeles County Fire Department.
- The Franklin Fire has engulfed approximately 1 233 ha (3 049 acres) of lasnd since its start on Monday night, with zero containment reported as of Tuesday.
- Approximately 18 000 people and 8 100 structures are in the affected area, with 2 043 structures under mandatory evacuation orders and 6 046 under evacuation warnings.
- Over 1 500 personnel have been deployed to combat the fire, as high winds and dry conditions exacerbate the situation. The state has secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to ensure adequate resources for firefighting.
- A Red Flag Warning remains in place for the region, indicating critical fire weather conditions. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, while urging residents to avoid the Malibu area entirely.
The Franklin Fire, first reported at 22:45 local time (LT) on Monday, December 9, grew to approximately 1 230 ha (3 049 acres) with 0 % containment, as of 04:40 LT on Tuesday, December 10. Over 1 500 personnel have been deployed to combat the fire.
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the following areas: MAL-C111, MAL-C112, MCR-U021A, RMB-U030, SDP-U029-A, and MAL-C113-A.
Approximately 18 000 people and 8 100 structures are within the affected area. Of the 8 100 structures, 2 043 are under evacuation orders and 6 046 are under evacuation warnings, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna on Tuesday.
“Stay away from the Malibu area if you can, at all costs,” Deputy Tracy Koerner stated on Tuesday. “Avoid coming into Malibu.”
Malibu City Hall, parks, and facilities are closed on Tuesday, with all programs and meetings suspended, according to the City of Malibu. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced that all Malibu schools will remain closed until Thursday, December 12.
The fire has spread across the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and is threatening several structures and thousands of residents. Authorities have closed Malibu Canyon Road and Las Virgenes Road at Mulholland Highway leading to PCH.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the blaze.
The FMAG, which is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund on a cost-share basis, will assist local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
References:
1 Franklin Fire – Cal Fire – Accessed at 11:00 UTC on December 11, 2024
2 California secures federal assistance to support response to Franklin Fire in Malibu – Governor Gavin Newsom – December 10, 2024
3 Franklin Fire in Malibu scorches 3,000 acres near Pepperdine University amid dangerous winds, forcing evacuations – CBS – December 10, 2024
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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