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| Images from different sources in Malibu City California |
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) red flag warning on Monday for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The warning, which is rarely used, highlighted the severe fire risk caused by dry vegetation, low humidity, and powerful winds. Gusts reaching up to 80 mph have been recorded in mountainous areas, creating conditions for rapid fire spread. The last PDS warning in the region was during November’s devastating Mountain Fire.
Fire officials emphasized the challenges posed by these weather conditions. Los Angeles County firefighter specialist Brad Auman explained, “Winds dry out the fuels, and if aligned with terrain, fires accelerate rapidly uphill.” The conditions are comparable to those during the infamous Thomas Fire of 2017.
The Franklin Fire ignited late Monday near Pepperdine University in Malibu and quickly grew to over 3,000 acres by Tuesday evening. CalFire reported that firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze, which remains at 0% containment. The fire has destroyed seven structures, damaged eight more, and continues to threaten thousands of homes and businesses. Damage assessment teams are working to provide an updated count of losses.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Malibu, affecting approximately 20,000 residents. Firefighters and sheriff’s deputies have gone door-to-door to ensure residents leave the area. The fire also led to significant road closures, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway. High winds and rugged terrain have made containment efforts particularly difficult, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.
In an effort to prevent additional wildfires, utilities across Southern California have implemented targeted power shut-offs. Southern California Edison warned over 250,000 customers of potential outages, while San Diego Gas & Electric cut power to nearly 42,000 customers. These preventive measures aim to reduce the risk of electrical equipment igniting fires in the extreme weather conditions.
The fire has caused significant disruptions to life in Malibu. Pepperdine University has enacted shelter-in-place protocols for students, with the campus operating on modified schedules due to power outages. Schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District have also been closed, with plans to transition to online learning until the situation stabilizes.
High-profile residents of Malibu have also been affected. Actor Dick Van Dyke and his wife safely evacuated their home but reported that one of their pets, a cat, went missing during the evacuation. Singer Cher confirmed she had relocated to a hotel with her pets. The fire is also threatening landmarks, including the Malibu Pier, which is just two miles from the blaze's origin.
The Franklin Fire has significantly impacted air quality across the region. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District reported "unhealthy" air quality levels in certain areas, primarily affecting sensitive populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors and use N95 masks to protect against smoke and particulates.
Alex Hall, a climate scientist at UCLA, attributed the fire’s rapid growth to a build-up of dry vegetation caused by fluctuating rainfall patterns. He warned that such conditions are increasingly common, as years of heavy rain followed by dry seasons create an environment ripe for large-scale wildfires.
California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that federal assistance has been secured to support firefighting efforts. He praised the work of first responders and urged residents to follow evacuation orders to prioritize safety. "Fire officials and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire," Newsom said in a statement .