A fast-moving brush fire that erupted Monday night near Malibu Canyon Road has swelled to nearly 4,000 acres, forcing evacuations and prompting concerns amid hazardous Santa Ana wind conditions in Southern California.
The Franklin Fire, which began just before 11 p.m. Monday approximately 3 miles north of Pacific Coast Highway, rapidly expanded from its initial 10 acres due to strong winds and dry vegetation in the area. As of Wednesday morning, the blaze remained at 0% containment.
Fire officials report that at least seven structures have been destroyed and nine others damaged. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, including the Serra Retreat area.
The flames approached Pepperdine University's campus, leading officials to issue a shelter-in-place order that was later lifted. The university canceled Tuesday classes and finals, with students directed to take shelter in Payson Library and the Tyler Campus Center.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced that arson investigators are examining the cause of the fire. "The L.A. County Fire Department and Sheriff's Department are joining forces to investigate why this fire started," Marrone stated during a Tuesday press conference.
Power companies have implemented preventive shutoffs affecting tens of thousands of residents, aiming to reduce fire weather risks from wind-damaged electrical equipment. Fire crews continue their efforts both on the ground and through aerial operations, with helicopters conducting overnight water drops to combat the spreading flames.
Weather experts warn that dangerous Santa Ana wind conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday morning, potentially complicating firefighting efforts and creating additional fire risks in the region.