A fast-moving wildfire has scorched over 3,000 acres in Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames advanced on homes, horse farms, and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire, yet another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, has left a trail of destruction as officials confirmed seven structures destroyed and eight damaged.
Evacuations have displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Malibu mayor Doug Stewart called it a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city, as emergency operations relocated to Calabasas after the city hall was threatened.
"It burns, it grows back, and we're resilient," Mr Stewart said.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze with many roads closed and others under security patrols.
At Pepperdine University, 3,000 students sheltered in place as smoke and embers engulfed the campus. “Ash was everywhere, embers were everywhere,” said a student, Bethany Kronlund.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meteorologists warned that even though the strongest winds have passed the danger remained on Wednesday, especially in the hilly areas.
The Franklin Fire continues to spread amid windy conditions
- Franklin fire grows to 3,000 acres
- Malibu wildfires mapped: Map shows how far the fire has spread
- Dick Van Dyke, Cher were evacuated from their homes
- Officials warn residents to heed warnings as threat continues
- Pepperdine University students were under shelter in place order
Video: Satellite video shows smoke from Franklin fire
06:05
Stuti Mishra
Satellite view of the smoke from #FranklinFire near Malibu pic.twitter.com/prDQe7OivZ
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) December 10, 2024
Dick Van Dyke prays for escaped family cat as he evacuates amid Malibu wildfires
05:36
Stuti Mishra
The actor Dick Van Dyke was among thousands forced to evacuate as the Franklin Fire ravaged Malibu, burning over 3,000 acres and leaving devastation in its wake.
The 98-year-old shared on Facebook that he and his wife, Arlene Silver, managed to leave their Serra Retreat home with most of their animals, but their beloved cat Bobo escaped during the chaos.
“We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires,” Van Dyke wrote, amid evacuations just days before his 99th birthday.
He later posted a video of Bobo, where the ginger cat is seen playing and scratching himself in a garden, adding, “Hoping Bobo is ok.”
The fast-moving wildfire, fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds, has placed much of Malibu under evacuation orders, displacing thousands of residents, including celebrities like Van Dyke and Cher.
Franklin fire grows to 3,000 acres
05:00
Stuti Mishra
The Franklin Fire in Malibu has expanded overnight, scorching over 3,000 acres near Pepperdine University and forcing thousands to evacuate.
At a Tuesday news conference, officials confirmed that the fire has destroyed seven structures and damaged eight more, based on preliminary assessments. Firefighting and evacuation efforts are ongoing as crews work to contain the blaze.
In photos: Air tanker drops retardant as Franklin Fire burns in Malibu
04:46
Stuti Mishra
Malibu wildfires mapped: Map shows how far the fire has spread
04:26
Stuti Mishra
A real-time map provided by officials showed the perimeter and evacuation areas of the massive Franklin Fire.
Recap: Franklin fire tears through 2,800 acres in Malibu
04:10
Stuti Mishra
The Franklin Fire in Malibu has scorched over 2,800 acres and destroyed at least seven structures as of Tuesday evening, Los Angeles county officials confirmed.
Aerial images show that seven structures were destroyed and eight others damaged, fire chief Anthony Marrone said, adding that a more accurate assessment will be conducted on Wednesday by damage inspection teams.
Over 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, while the Los Angeles county sheriff’s department is managing 32 operations, including evacuations, road closures, and security patrols in the area.
“Fire can be extremely unpredictable, and we highly encourage residents in the fire areas to be prepared, have a plan, and heed our evacuation warnings and orders,” said Cpt Jennifer Seetoo.
Around 20,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders or warnings due to the wildfire.
Malibu man recalls his family waking up to an ‘inferno’
00:30
Julia Musto
A Malibu man is recalling the moment his family woke up to the swiftly-approaching flames of California’s Franklin Fire.
“My son’s got a little bit of shellshock, he’s definitely feeling a little anxious,” Nick Smyth, 43, told The Associated Press. Smyth lives on a farm in the Serra Retreat community with his wife and two children. “They woke up to an inferno outside their bedroom.”
His wife had packed getaway bags before they went to sleep on Monday and were awakened by a neighbor shouting a few hours later.
They evacuated the area and went to a friend’s house outside of Malibu. He believes their home is safe.
Franklin Fire reaches 2,851 acres: CAL FIRE
00:30
Josh Marcus
The Franklin Fire continues to grow.
As of 4:30pm Pacific time, the blaze had reached at least 2,851 acres, according to CAL FIRE.
Malibu city staff post from emergency operations center in Calabasas
Tuesday 10 December 2024 23:30
Julia Musto
Your City of #Malibu staff is working hard to keep our community safe during the #Franklinfire! We had to evacuate City Hall late last night & @Cityofcalabasas generously let us set up our EOC in their City Hall. Thank you Calabasas! Stay safe, Malibu! https://t.co/Anlr7FAQjw pic.twitter.com/utyqDtNpib
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) December 10, 2024
Helicopters drop water on the 2,700-acre Franklin Fire in dramatic images
Tuesday 10 December 2024 22:42
Julia Musto
City of Malibu says a Verizon support team is positioned in Zuma Beach
Tuesday 10 December 2024 22:30
Julia Musto
The evacuation center for the Franklin Fire is moving
Tuesday 10 December 2024 22:20
Julia Musto
The evacuation center for the Franklin fire is moving, KABC-TV reported Tuesday afternoon.
Officials from the American Red Cross reportedly told the station that the center will be at the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Professional Development & Learning Center building.
The original location was the Palisade Recreation Center.
Photos show continued response to Franklin Fire
Tuesday 10 December 2024 22:10
Julia Musto
Pepperdine cancels on-campus final exams for Seaver College
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:55
Julia Musto
The remainder of this week's scheduled on-campus final examinations for Seaver College have been cancelled. Professors will be communicating directly to each of their classes with information on how their course will proceed and conclude.
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024
Some highway traffic signals are out due to heavy winds and power outages
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:50
Julia Musto
*Traffic Advisory*
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) December 10, 2024
Reminder: When traffic signals are out or blinking red, treat them as a STOP SIGN. Due to heavy winds and power outages, some @CaltransDist7 highway and on- and off-ramp locations may have signals that are temporarily out. pic.twitter.com/LoZoEBwWPc
This is the difference between and evacuation warning and an order
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:45
Julia Musto
As the #FranklinFire impacts areas of Malibu, @LASDHQ urges residents to stay informed about evacuation orders and warnings. If asked to leave… don’t wait, evacuate. pic.twitter.com/QIhe96Id3U
— California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) December 10, 2024
City of Maui gives update on evacuations
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:40
Julia Musto
Forecasters warn southern California about Wednesday weather
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:35
Julia Musto
Another day of fire weather concerns in store for southern California tomorrow.
— National Weather Service (@NWS) December 10, 2024
Wildfires are caused by a spark (usually man-made) in the presence of fuel (dry vegetation) and oxygen. Strong winds, high temperatures, low humidity and drought conditions can further impact the… https://t.co/GbmJAZIdaz
Live: View of Franklin Fire in Malibu, near Pepperdine University
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:30
Julia Musto
Newsom acknowledges wildfire season is ‘year-round’ in California
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:22
Julia Musto
There are 866 personnel working on the Franklin Fire, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.
The Democratic leader said the brush fire proved that fire season is not a season in the state.
“It’s year-round in the state of California ... We’re in the middle of December and yet we’re experiencing yet another wildfire in southern California,” he said.
This year, more than 7,900 fires have burned over a million acres across California.
LIVE >> In Colusa County, @CAGovernor Newsom will highlight efforts to build water infrastructure, faster and create jobs.https://t.co/8BMEI7QZuZ
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 10, 2024
Another brush fire has led to evacuation orders in San Diego
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:10
Julia Musto
#Border79Fire A brush fire is burning near Barrett Truck Trail and State Route 94 in Marron Valley. An EVACUATION ORDER (red) and EVACUATION WARNING (yellow) has been issued for the areas in the maps below.
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) December 10, 2024
To see maps of the affected areas, visit: https://t.co/KRXry2OWyB and… pic.twitter.com/bDyvZIAQPq
#Border79Fire The fire is now mapped at 24 acres and is 10% contained. Updated acreage provided by sensor aircraft. pic.twitter.com/yID2AIyFHv
— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) December 10, 2024
Local state of emergency declared in Los Angeles County
Tuesday 10 December 2024 21:04
Julia Musto
Los Angeles County officials declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday.
The declaration would unlock additional resources for the county and expedite its ability to address immediate needs as well as work on recovery.
“This wildfire poses a serious threat in our County and the safety of our residents is our top priority,” said County Board Chair Kathryn Barger. “By signing this emergency proclamation, we are ensuring that local authorities have the support they need to respond effectively to protect Malibu and surrounding areas.”
Franklin Fire has stretched over more than 2,700 acres
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:52
Julia Musto
Cal Fire reports that Malibu’s Franklin Fire has spread over 2,713 acres.
See it: Planes scoop up ocean water to fight Malibu’s Franklin Fire
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:40
Julia Musto
Celebrities are evacuated from their homes
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:37
Julia Musto
Actor Dick Van Dyke, 98, was among residents evacuated from their homes due to the wildfire.
“Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote on Facebook. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
Bobo is Van Dyke’s orange cat.
Oscar winner Mira Sorvino announced that she had also evacuated overnight.
“All my Malibu friends and neighbors I pray that you are safe,” she said. “We evacuated in the middle of the night, kids and pets all accounted for! Scary times!!”
The famous singer Cher was also evacuated to a hotel on Monday night with her pets, her publicist Liz Rosenberg told The New York Times.
A request for comment from Rosenberg was not immediately returned.
These are the weather conditions around the Franklin Fire
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:35
Julia Musto
Latest forecast for the #FranklinFirehttps://t.co/09mEiSsede
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 10, 2024
Winds have lowered significantly from the earlier peak, but should pick up again this evening. https://t.co/Ivrv6gV477
See the latest weather conditions around the #FranklinFirehttps://t.co/JIV78Qlnz3 pic.twitter.com/1KXNeZ6yJX
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 10, 2024
Pepperdine University President Jim Gash says there have been no injuries among faculty, students and staff
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:27
Julia Musto
"When we are tested, we lean on our faith, rely upon our planning, and rally alongside one another. I am grateful that through prayer, preparation, and cooperation, our Pepperdine community safely navigated the challenges encountered over the last 12 hours, and our prayers… pic.twitter.com/KLDARxVgSY
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024
Pepperdine University President Jim Gash wrote in a Tuesday afternoon update that the Franklin Fire had caused “little damage” to the school’s campus.
“We are profoundly grateful to the heroic firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly throughout the night to protect the lives and property at Pepperdine and in Malibu,” he said. “We also extend our deepest appreciation to our students, faculty, and staff for their cooperation and camaraderie during this unexpected challenge.”
Images show Malibu wildfire’s destructive power
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:21
Julia Musto
Franklin Fire has stretched over more than 2,600 acres
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:10
Julia Musto
Cal Fire reports that Malibu’s Franklin Fire has spread over 2,667 acres.
City of Malibu says its updates will be shared on these two platforms
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:10
Julia Musto
All social media counts are suspended. All emergency information will be posted on the City of Malibu’s main page and social media accounts IG: FB: @cityofmalibu pic.twitter.com/goJEZlhtqZ
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) December 10, 2024
This Malibu resident stayed to help firefighters despite evacuation orders
Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:03
Julia Musto
A Malibu resident that stayed to protect his property despite evacuation orders is speaking out on Tuesday.
“When you’re in Malibu and you’ve been through a couple of fires, you know you have to stay because the embers [can] float a mile and land on a roof or a lawn and you can put it out with a garden hose,” Alec Gellis told KTLA.
Just one other person stayed with him, he told the station. Gellis said that they “saved five houses” in his neighborhood.
“The firefighters did an incredible job. It’s amazing. They showed up and they were everywhere. Starting at maybe 11 pm, so many fire trucks driving around. I mean, the whole entire hillside was on fire … The whole backside of this canyon looks like Utah now,” he recalled.
Nearly all Californians live in counties with high or very high fire risk to homes, nonprofit says
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:37
Julia Musto
According to @NWSLosAngeles: "Strong & Damaging Santa Ana winds...expected to bring *Particularly Dangerous* Red Flag Warnings Monday Night - Tuesday"
— Climate Central (@ClimateCentral) December 9, 2024
97% of California's population lives in counties with high or very high fire risk to homes. pic.twitter.com/JJWJiepyiL
California Highway Patrol closes stretch of Pacific Coast Highway until further notice
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:32
Julia Musto
Franklin Fire Traffic Advisory
— CHP - West Valley (@CHPWestValley) December 10, 2024
Due to the Franklin Fire, Pacific Coast Highway will be closed from Kanan Dume Road to Topanga Canyon Boulevard until further notice. Only emergency personnel will be allowed to enter the closure as evacuations are underway. @CHPsouthern
The state agency also reported that strong winds in the state had overturned mutliple big rigs near San Diego.
Traffic Update
— CHP El Cajon (@CHP_El_Cajon) December 10, 2024
I-8 eastbound at E. Willows Rd. is closed to high-profile vehicles only due to strong winds. Please plan accordingly and drive safely! #CHP #TrafficAlert pic.twitter.com/0aVu8p0XQS
Red flag conditions will continue throughout week, Cal Fire warns
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:25
Julia Musto
Cal Fire warned that red flag conditions would continue across much of Southern California throughout the week.
Widespread Red Flag conditions across much of Southern California due to Santa Ana Winds will continue to be a threat to residents and property throughout the week.
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) December 10, 2024
The Franklin Fire in L.A. County has already consumed over 2200 acres this morning, forcing many evacuations. For… pic.twitter.com/7diQcNdi6B
Pepperdine University thanks community for remaining on campus as firefighters tackle spot fires
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:19
Julia Musto
Thank you for your continued partnership, including remaining on campus, as we support the first responders in their continued efforts to address spot fires on our campus and the more challenging circumstances in the surrounding community. The Malibu campus still does not have…
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024
Wildfire smoke advisory is in effect
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:10
Julia Musto
WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY (Tuesday, December 10 - Wednesday, December 11):#FranklinFire burning in Malibu Creek State Park is affecting our air quality: https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/Rv3TpOaXST
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) December 10, 2024
In an advisory, South Coast Air Quality Management District warned that smoke from the Franklin Fire could cause elevated PM2.5 in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County.
PM2.5 are inhalable particles than can be harmful to peoples’ health, affecting the lungs and heart.
The Franklin Fire has now spread nearly 2,600 acres
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:05
Julia Musto
Cal Fire reports that the Malibu Franklin Fire has now spread over 2,593 acres.
See the Forest Service aircraft that assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department
Tuesday 10 December 2024 19:00
Julia Musto
Early morning action at Fox Fire Center in Lancaster, CA as @forestservice aircraft are on station, ready to assist @LACOFD in battling the #FranklinFire. The teams are spooling up at first light to provide critical air support.
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) December 10, 2024
Stay safe, everyone! pic.twitter.com/ja73rkA9qc
Franklin Fire smoke is seen from NOAA satellite
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:55
Julia Musto
Overnight, the Franklin Fire burned intensely near Malibu, California.
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) December 10, 2024
Today, conditions remain conducive for extreme wildfire behavior. pic.twitter.com/SxdQYmKy5H
Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center in Calabasas closes until further notice
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:50
Julia Musto
City of Malibu gives evacuation update
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:45
Julia Musto
Malibu residents grab their pig before fleeing Franklin Fire
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:40
Julia Musto
Malibu residentsJessica Jones and Matthew Ryder reportedly took their three goats and a pot belly pig when evacuating from the Franklin Fire late Monday night.
The pair put the goats — Willie, Russell and their mother Ginger — into their pickup truck before attempting to load one-year-old Penelope.
“She was screaming her head off,” Ryder told The Los Angeles Times. “She doesn’t like to be picked up usually.”
Pepperdine University sends message to firefighters
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:35
Julia Musto
Our hearts are with the brave firefighters of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and all who are combating the #FranklinFire. We lift them up in prayer, asking for their safety and protection as they work tirelessly to keep our Malibu community safe #malibustrong
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024
… pic.twitter.com/3tQH0IVmdn
FEMA approves California for federal assistance grant
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:30
Julia Musto
Just in: California was approved for a Fire Management Assistance grant due to the devastating effects of the #FranklinFire in @FEMARegion9. ⤵️ https://t.co/svM9hyQm3i
— FEMA (@fema) December 10, 2024
Malibu residents are asked not to use their sprinklers, irrigate lawns
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:25
Julia Musto
Emergency officials discouraged Malibu residents from using their sprinkler systems on Tuesday, in an effort to keep water resources available to firefighters.
There were concerns about possible low water pressure during other recent fires in San Bernardino and Ventura Counties, according to KABC-TV.
Pepperdine University student said the Franklin Fire ‘felt really close’
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:15
Julia Musto
A Pepperdine University student recalled the moments he first saw the Franklin Fire on Tuesday, saying he saw a pink glow when he looked out the window of his dorm.
“I thought this is too bright, and it got bigger and bigger,” the 20-year-old junior told The Associated Press. “I immediately went outside and saw that it was a real fire.”
Song and other resident assistants went door to door to evacuate students. Song said that most of them were calm, but a few rushed to their cars. They were probably less than a mile away.
“It felt really close,” he said. “Seeing the fire rampaging down the hill is obviously scary for students but I felt like our staff was prepared.”
Need shelter? Malibu residents can go here
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:10
Julia Musto
.@Cal_OES, in conjunction with @CaliforniaDSS and local partners, is working to ensure Californians impacted by the #FranklinFire have access to shelters and other resources in @CountyofLA. Learn More: https://t.co/MrOmYlAVuX pic.twitter.com/KnrVtVaL7p
— California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) December 10, 2024
Malibu residents wake up to smoky skies
Tuesday 10 December 2024 18:00
Julia Musto
Malibu resident says windows shook from firefighting helicopters
Tuesday 10 December 2024 17:50
Julia Musto
A Malibu resident said that she woke up Tuesday as the windows of her home shook from responding firefighting helicopters.
“I opened my window and the back of my property…was all engulfed,” Linda, who did not share her last name, told KTLA. “I ran to the house, got everybody up and had them get in the car and get out of here.”
She said she stayed to try to save her horses. Two were spooked and ran away, but she was able to save one.
“At the very end, we probably only had 45 minutes to get out of there,” she said.
She slept in a car with strangers and eventually found the other two horses unharmed, the station reported.
California cams capture Franklin Fire’s smoke filling skies
Tuesday 10 December 2024 17:39
Julia Musto