(The Center Square) – The wildfire in Malibu has expanded since it began at 11 p.m. Monday night, burning 3,983 acres with 7% containment according to a map maintained by fire officials.
“Fire activity increased significantly last night as the fire crossed Puerco Canyon Ridge and began backing down into Corral Canyon, threatening the Malibu RV Park community,” reads an update from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. “It also spotted across Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu Road, posing a threat to nearby communities.”
The fire started near Pepperdine University at South Malibu Canyon Road and Francisco Ranch Road and has since been coined the “Franklin Fire.” The cause remains unknown.
The majority of those residing in Malibu have been evacuated and over 1,500 firefighters from Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and Ventura counties have been working to contain the fire. As of Wednesday morning, seven structures have been destroyed and nine have been damaged, some of which are homes. According to government officials, out of the approximately 8,000 affected buildings, over 2,000 – around 6,000 people – are under a current evacuation order as of Wednesday morning. Additionally, there is an evacuation warning area that covers 12,500 people and over 6,000 structures.
Approximately 200 students are continuing to shelter in place at Pepperdine University.
As of Wednesday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that there have been no reports of any injuries or fatalities. Additionally, there have been no sightings of looting or burglaries in any of the vacated homes and businesses.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that he was able to secure a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a part of the President’s Disaster Relief Fund. These funds will assist local and state agencies in securing vital firefighting resources and applying for a 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs.
“Fire officials and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire,” Newsom said in a statement. “California is grateful for this federal support, which bolsters these efforts. I urge all residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.”
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag alert for high winds spreading the fire and those in the area remain under “immediate threat,” according to Marrone.
Evacuation shelters have been set up at the Palisades Recreation Center and Santa Monica Unified School District. Additionally small animals can be taken to the Agoura Animal Care Center and large animals can be taken to Pierce College.
