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Franklin Fire: Thousands return home after evacuations
The Franklin Fire in Malibu is now 30% contained with firefighters making progress. Nearly 4,000 people who had to evacuate have returned home.
MALIBU, Calif. - A sigh of relief for residents in Malibu as all evacuees impacted by the Franklin Fire were allowed to return home Friday.
The city fully reopened Pacific Coast Highway for public traffic, including businesses, from Topanga Canyon to Kanan Dume Road. In addition, Pepperdine University and the Civic Center area have also fully reopened.
Firefighters made significant progress over the weekend.
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 42% contained.
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Franklin Fire reaches 30% containment
Some evacuees in Malibu have been allowed to return home.
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.
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Franklin Fire in Malibu reaches 20% containment
In an update on Thursday afternoon, a Cal Fire official said the Franklin Fire in Malibu was 20% contained.
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
Repopulation
On Thursday afternoon, officials allowed some residents along PCH to return home.
By Friday, PCH fully reopened to all traffic.
Several evacuation orders were lifted and the remaining were downgraded to warnings, allowing citizens to return home.
For specific locations that have reopened, visit protect.genasys.com.
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Malibu Fire: Some evacuation orders lifted
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon, which destroyed at least nine structures.
"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.
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Franklin Fire recovery expected to take years
Kevin McGowan, the director of the Office of Emergency Management for the County of Los Angeles, said it will take Malibu years to fully recover from the Franklin Fire.
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 Saturday morning, the fire was 35% 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
Evacuation Warnings Lifted:
Zones MAL-C113-A, MAL-C113-C, VST-U022-A, MCR-U021-B, MTN-U028, SDP-U029-B, MAL-C112-F (which now includes the previously listed "G" zone), and MAL-C111-C.
All Remaining Evacuation Orders Reduced to Warnings:
MAL-C111-A, MAL-C112-A, MAL-C112-B, MAL-C112-C, MAL-C112-D, MAL-C112-E, MAL-C113-D, MCR-U021A-A, MCR-U021A-B, RMB-U030, SDP-U029-A, VST-U022-B5
Evacuation Warnings Lifted for Pepperdine University:
Zone MCR-U021A-C, which includes the Pepperdine University Campus, is now clear.
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):
- Las Flores Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway
- Carbon Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway
- Sweetwater Canyon Drive north of Pacific Coast Highway
- Puerco Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway
- Corral Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway
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PCH closed amid Franklin Fire
Pacific Coast Highway remains closed as a fire continues to burn in Malibu north of the Malibu University campus.
Hard Closure
- Malibu Canyon Road between Piuma Road and Civic Center Way.
For a full list visit protect.genasys.com.
Franklin Fire Malibu Map
Weather Conditions
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Weather Forecast for Friday, Dec. 13
The latest forecast for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
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.