Franklin Fire Forces Thousands to Flee Malibu as Winds Subside

Franklin Fire Forces Thousands to Flee Malibu as Winds Subside \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Calmer winds and increased humidity in Southern California are aiding firefighters as they combat the Franklin Fire, which has forced thousands to evacuate Malibu. The blaze, fueled by powerful winds earlier in the week, has destroyed homes and threatened landmarks like Pepperdine University. With containment at 20% over 4,000 acres, officials warn of continued challenges despite improved conditions.

Franklin Fire in Malibu: Quick Looks

• Improved Weather: Calmer winds and rising humidity help firefighters combat the flames.
• Evacuations Ongoing: Over 20,000 residents evacuated; some orders have been lifted.
• Extent of Damage: Four homes destroyed, six damaged; only 25% of the area has been surveyed.
• Pepperdine University: Students sheltered in place; campus damage appears minimal.
• Celebrity Impact: Cher, Jane Seymour, and Dick Van Dyke among those who evacuated.
• Utilities Respond: Power restored to affected areas after precautionary shutdowns.
• Uncertain Cause: Fire officials are investigating; utilities decline to comment on equipment involvement.

Deep Look

Firefighters in Southern California gained some relief Thursday as calmer winds and rising humidity aided their efforts to control the Franklin Fire, a destructive blaze that has devastated parts of Malibu and forced thousands to flee. The fire erupted late Monday, driven by fierce Santa Ana winds that propelled flames through rugged canyons and over the Pacific Coast Highway to the ocean.

Improved Weather Brings Hope

Meteorologists reported significant improvements in weather conditions by Wednesday afternoon, allowing red flag warnings to be lifted. CalFire Assistant Chief Dusty Martin said these conditions enabled crews to achieve “a lot of success” in containing the fire, despite its challenging terrain.

Meteorologist Mike Wofford of the National Weather Service added that a sea breeze would bring additional humidity to the fire zone, further aiding containment efforts. “Everything is getting better,” Wofford said.

As of Friday, the Franklin Fire was 20% contained, having burned approximately 4,000 acres.

Evacuations and Damage

Mandatory evacuation orders displaced about 20,000 residents, although some of these orders have since been lifted. It remains unclear how many people have been allowed to return home. The fire has destroyed four homes and damaged at least six more, according to Deputy Chief Eleni Pappas of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. However, only 25% of the affected area has been surveyed, leaving the full extent of the destruction uncertain.

Malibu, known for its stunning coastline, rugged canyons, and celebrity residences, bore the brunt of the damage. Mayor Doug Stewart called the fire’s impact a tragedy, noting that restaurants lost food due to power outages and local workers are temporarily out of jobs.

Pepperdine University and Personal Losses

The flames reached the edge of Pepperdine University, forcing students to shelter in place for two days. Early assessments showed minimal damage to campus structures, though exams were postponed, and faculty worked to determine how to complete the semester.

For some residents, the losses were devastating. Lonnie Vidaurri’s home in the Malibu Knolls neighborhood was among those destroyed. Evacuating with his wife and daughters, Vidaurri described the scene as “pretty torched all around.” He fears the family’s pet bunnies didn’t survive and estimates that most of their belongings were lost.

Red Cross spokesperson Mimi Teller noted that many evacuees arrived at shelters in shock, wearing only pajamas after fleeing at a moment’s notice.

Celebrities Forced to Evacuate

Several celebrities, including Cher, Jane Seymour, and Dick Van Dyke, evacuated their Malibu homes. Van Dyke, who turns 99 this week, credited his neighbors with helping him escape. “They carried me out and saved me,” he told NBC’s Today.

Seymour reflected on the disaster in an Instagram post, writing, “The fires in our community are a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.”

Utilities and Fire Prevention Efforts

Southern California Edison preemptively shut off power to tens of thousands of customers Monday night to reduce fire risk, restoring electricity by Thursday morning. The Woolsey Fire of 2018, which killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes, was linked to Edison equipment.

Asked if Edison equipment may have caused the Franklin Fire, utility spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas referred all questions to fire officials, who continue to investigate.

The Challenge of Santa Ana Winds

The Franklin Fire’s rapid spread was fueled by notorious Santa Ana winds, which blow dry air from inland deserts toward the coast. These winds create erratic gusts, some exceeding 40 mph, and push back moist ocean breezes, making firefighting efforts especially difficult.

Despite the challenges, improved weather conditions offer hope that firefighters can continue making progress. “It could have been much worse,” Malibu resident Vidaurri said, reflecting on his family’s narrow escape.

More on Weather