MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — A wind-driven wildfire tore through Malibu on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for 20,000 Southern California residents. The blaze, fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds, threatened celebrity mansions, horse farms, and Pepperdine University, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Dubbed the Franklin Fire, the inferno remains 0% contained, with over 1,500 firefighters battling its relentless spread. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported that preliminary aerial assessments identified seven destroyed structures and eight more damaged. As of Tuesday night, the fire had consumed more than 2,800 acres, with 600 acres lost in just one day.
"A Traumatic 20 Hours"
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart described the situation as harrowing. "This has been a traumatic 20 hours for the city of Malibu," he said. The blaze forced city officials to relocate emergency operations from Malibu City Hall to nearby Calabasas as flames approached.
The wildfire followed a familiar and devastating pattern in the region. “It burns, it grows back, and we’re resilient and strong,” the mayor said, referencing the cyclical destruction that has scarred Malibu's landscape.
Evacuations and Uncertainty
The Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, created erratic fire behavior, complicating evacuation efforts. Captain Jennifer Seetoo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that approximately 20,000 residents were under evacuation orders or warnings. Several shelters opened their doors to displaced residents, offering temporary refuge.
Pepperdine University faced a terrifying ordeal as smoke and flames encroached on the campus late Monday. Around 3,000 students sheltered in place while staff worked to ensure safety. "Ash was everywhere, embers were everywhere," said Bethany Kronlund, a junior and resident assistant. Although parts of the campus were singed, no major damage was reported. The university canceled classes and exams for Tuesday.
Widespread Impact
The Franklin Fire erupted late Monday night, spreading rapidly across Malibu’s rugged terrain. By Tuesday, it had jumped the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, threatening seaside mansions and the historic Malibu Pier. Although the pier was spared, many residents experienced moments of panic as they fled their homes.
Nick Smyth, a resident of Malibu’s Serra Retreat community, described bundling his children and fleeing after flames lit up the mountains surrounding their farm. “They woke up to an inferno outside their bedroom,” he said.
Meanwhile, actor Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 this week, evacuated with his wife, leaving behind one of their cats. "We’re praying he’ll be OK and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires," he shared on social media.
Power Outages and Fire Mitigation Efforts
Southern California Edison proactively shut off power to approximately 40,000 customers, including 11,000 in Los Angeles County, to reduce the risk of electrical equipment sparking additional fires. The utility company has faced scrutiny in the past; its equipment was linked to the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire, which killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes in Malibu.
A Community at Risk
While Malibu is often associated with its wealthy residents and celebrity homes, community leaders emphasized the broader impact of the wildfire. Kasey Earnest, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, expressed concern for middle- and working-class families, ranchers, and farmers. “I refer to those residents as the heart of Malibu,” she said. “They’re just normal families — nobody’s landing a helicopter on their property.”
Ongoing Danger
Despite some relief as the strongest winds subsided by Tuesday afternoon, meteorologists warned of continued fire risks in mountainous areas through Wednesday. The Santa Ana winds, notorious for creating volatile fire conditions, combined with dry vegetation and scorching heat, have made Southern California particularly vulnerable this season.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced federal assistance through a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to support firefighting and recovery efforts. “California is grateful for this federal support,” he said, urging residents to remain alert and follow evacuation orders.
As Malibu residents brace for the days ahead, the Franklin Fire serves as a grim reminder of the region’s vulnerability to wildfires, exacerbated by climate change and decades of policies that have left the landscape overgrown with flammable vegetation.
