Malibu wildfire/ Franklin Fire/ Pepperdine University evacuation/ Santa Ana winds/ California wildfires/ MALIBU/ Calif./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A wildfire in Malibu, dubbed the Franklin Fire, has forced evacuations for 6,000 people near Pepperdine University. Burning 2.8 square miles amid powerful Santa Ana winds, the blaze threatened homes and landmarks, including the historic Malibu Pier. Firefighters are working to contain the fire, and classes at Pepperdine have been canceled.
Franklin Fire in Malibu: Quick Looks
- Location: Near Pepperdine University, extending south toward the Pacific Coast.
- Size and Scope: Burned 2.8 square miles, threatening 2,000+ structures and prompting 6,000 evacuations.
- Pepperdine Status: Classes canceled; students sheltered in place as firefighters managed smaller spot fires.
- Threatened Landmarks: Malibu Pier briefly at risk but remains intact.
- Weather Impact: Santa Ana winds exacerbating fire spread, with gusts up to 65 mph expected.
Malibu Wildfire Near Pepperdine Prompts Evacuations, Threatens Homes
Deep Look
Firefighters in Malibu are battling a fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, which ignited early Tuesday and has already scorched at least 2.8 square miles. Fueled by intense Santa Ana winds, the fire has forced evacuations for roughly 6,000 people, including students and residents near Pepperdine University.
The Scene at Pepperdine
Students at Pepperdine University sheltered in the campus library, witnessing the blaze grow as the sky turned ominously red.
“Seeing that bright red color of fire just get brighter and brighter—it was terrifying,” student Gabrielle Salgado told KABC-TV.
Fire resources, including helicopters and engines, were deployed to the campus to address spot fires, which, according to a university statement, were “not threatening life or structures.” Pepperdine canceled classes and finals, implementing a shelter-in-place order to prioritize student safety.
The Fire’s Reach
The Franklin Fire spread south, crossing the Pacific Coast Highway and reaching the ocean. At one point, the historic Malibu Pier was under threat, but fire crews managed to protect it, leaving the structure intact.
While a damage assessment is ongoing, Malibu city spokesperson Matt Myerhoff confirmed, “Some number of homes are definitely going to be badly damaged.”
Weather Worsens Conditions
The fire is exacerbated by Southern California’s notorious Santa Ana winds, which are dry, warm, and gusty winds that often spark and spread wildfires. Forecasts predict gusts up to 65 mph, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning, including a rare “particularly dangerous situation” designation for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
To mitigate risk, power companies preemptively shut off electricity to tens of thousands of residents on Monday night to prevent sparks from damaged electrical equipment.
Ongoing Efforts
Firefighters continue to combat the Franklin Fire using aerial water drops sourced from lakes at Pepperdine’s Alumni Park. Despite progress in protecting key structures, the fire remains uncontained as it advances along the coastline.
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