Malibu Franklin Fire: Parts of PCH reopen to residents, some evacuees allowed to return home
MALIBU, Calif. - Steady progress in the firefight against the Franklin Fire in Malibu has allowed some evacuees to return home.
In addition, parts of Pacific Coast Highway reopened to traffic. However, some areas remain limited to residents.
The Franklin Fire began raging late Monday night into Tuesday morning driven by strong Santa Ana winds, with wind gusts reaching over 50 mph at times. The howling winds caused the fire to burn out of control and erratically, making containment a challenge for fire crews.
With calmer winds and increased humidity levels, crews have been met with favorable weather conditions as the fire remains at 4,037 acres and 30% contained.
Damage inspectors found 12 structures – 6 homes and 6 outbuildings destroyed, with at least another 10 homes damaged by the fire.
No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said their primary focus remains the safety of residents and first responders and that their priority was getting people back to their homes.
SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Cause of Malibu Franklin Fire under investigation; Residents still without power
The latest numbers also indicate 9 structures were destroyed and 4 were damaged. That number is expected to rise as this is only an assessment of 25% of the area.
Repopulation
By Thursday afternoon, officials said they planned to repopulate the area and let some residents return home. Residents along PCH were allowed to return home Thursday.
Some mandatory evacuation orders were also lifted and officials downgraded the voluntary evacuation order, allowing citizens back into their homes immediately.
Officials will continue reopening other areas in the coming days. They say securing the area and making it safe is their top priority before they can allow people to return.
For specific locations that have reopened, visit protect.genasys.com.
"Malibu is strong. That strength and resilience peak when we work together and that has been demonstrated throughout the duration of the Franklin Fire. Our commitment to our impacted communities is unweaving and we will do everything in our power to help you navigate the challenges that come with every stage of this emergency," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Location of Franklin Fire in Malibu
Just before 11 p.m. on Monday, crews with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to Malibu Canyon Road in Malibu Creek State Park, where a high volume of dry brush contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. It erupted in the midst of a rare "particularly dangerous situation red flag warning" issued by the National Weather Service in response to strong wind gusts and dramatically dry conditions.
Malibu Fire Containment
As of Friday morning, the fire was 30% contained.
What started the Malibu fire?
The cause of the fire is under investigation by LA County Fire and Sheriff's arson teams.
Evacuation Order and Warnings
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the following areas:
- East of Latigo Canyon
- West of Topanga Beach Driveway
- South of Baller Motorway
- Piuma Road
- Rambla Pacifico
Evacuation warnings:
Evacuation warnings have been lifted east of Las Flores Canyon, including Topanga and Sunset Mesa Zones. These areas have been returned to "normal status".
Areas west of Las Flores Canyon to Sweetwater Mesa, and west of Serra Road to Puerco Canyon are being repopulated under Evacuation Warning status. Residents returning to their homes in repopulation zones are urged to remain cautious and follow instructions from public safety officials.
Approximately 1,600 residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders west of Sweetwater Mesa and Serra Road.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned that the sheriff's department has dispatched over 150 personnel for evacuations, road closures, and security patrols. Hard closures are in effect at Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway.
Evacuation Shelters
The City of Malibu will open a Local Assistance Center at Malibu Bluffs Park on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Representatives from Los Angeles County Public Works, Southern California Edison (SCE), the Red Cross, and the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu will be available to assist residents with reconnecting services and accessing recovery resources.
Residents: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District office: 2802 4th Street, Santa Monica.
Small Animals: Agoura Animal Shelter: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills.
Large Animals: Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills.
Road Closures
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said that the road closures are "not to inconvenience you, it is for your safety."
Soft Road Closures (Residents Only):
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Corral Canyon and Las Flores Canyon.
Hard Closures
- Malibu Canyon Road between Mulholland Highway and Pacific Coast Highway.
- Pacific Coast Highway between Kanan Dume Road to Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
- Civic Center Way northbound to Malibu Canyon Road.
- Mulholland Highway between Las Virgenes Road and Stunt Road.
- Las Virgenes Road from Muholland Hwy to PCH.
- Tuna Canyon Road between PCH and Saddle Peak Road.
- Piuma Road at Malibu Canyon all the way to PCH.
For a full list visit protect.genasys.com.
Franklin Fire Malibu Map
Weather Conditions
Southern California will see calmer winds and cooler temperatures. A cold front moved through the area and brought some light rain to some areas on Thursday. Going into the weekend, a second storm brings slight chances for some parts of the region.
Power Shut-offs
Southern California Edison shut off power for parts of Malibu in the wake of the fires.
Additionally, thousands of customers are without power across LA, Ventura, and Orange counties in order to prevent electrical equipment from sparking wildfires.
RELATED: Thousands in Southern California at risk of power shutoffs amid Red Flag Warning
Emergency Declarations and Assistance
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger issued an emergency declaration early Tuesday morning. Gov. Gavin Newsom reported that the state secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to aid the firefight, acknowledging the relentless efforts of fire officials and first responders. Newsom urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and heed evacuation orders.