Franklin Fire: Malibu schools reopen as crews make progress in firefight
MALIBU, Calif. - The road to recovery continues for residents in Malibu as all evacuees impacted by the Franklin Fire were allowed to return home and school reopened for students on Monday.
Ahead of the weekend, 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 reopened.
The Franklin Fire began raging Monday, Dec. 9 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 54% contained.
While crews continue to make progress, it continues to smolder in steep and dangerous terrain.
Amid the holiday season, several Malibu families were left devastated after the blaze left their homes damaged or, in some cases, completely destroyed.
Fire officials said 28 structures (14 single family dwellings, 2 multi family dwellings, 7 commercial, and 5 outbuildings) were damaged while another 20 structures (9 single family dwellings and 11 outbuildings) were destroyed.
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
Repopulation
Malibu residents were allowed to return to their homes on Thursday before all evacuation orders were lifted over the weekend.
By Friday, PCH fully reopened to all traffic.
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 in a press conference last week.
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 Monday morning, the fire was 54% 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
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.
Road Closures
All impacted roadways reopened on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 15.
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.
Schools Reopen
The Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District announced the reopening of three Malibu schools Monday.
The schools reopening include Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High Schools. Webster Elementary School sustained damage from the fire and students and staff at that campus will relocate to Malibu Elementary School beginning Tuesday, Dec. 17.
District officials plan to work on repairs and cleanup for students and staff to return to Webster Elementary on Jan. 6, 2025.
Weather Conditions
Southern California has seen cooler weather with calmer winds. However, Santa Ana winds were expected to return beginning Tuesday, Dec. 17.
RELATED: Santa Ana winds back in Southern California - here's when
Power Shut-offs
Southern California Edison shut off power for parts of Malibu in the wake of the fires.
Additionally, thousands of customers were without power for days 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.