Thousands Forced To Evacuate As Wildfire Rips Through Malibu

Thousands of Californians have been ordered to evacuate after a wildfire spread throughout the Malibu area late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, at one point threatening Pepperdine University. 

More than 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate as the blaze, referred to as the Franklin Fire, spread out of Malibu Canyon, the Los Angeles Times reported. The city of Malibu said that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was going door-to-door to conduct evacuations and asked residents to comply with instructions from law enforcement and fire officials. 

The fire covered about 10 acres at the beginning of the night on Monday but quickly spread to cover an area of at least 1,800 acres by early Tuesday morning, including around Malibu Pier. Firefighters from the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County have all responded to the blaze, which was fueled by rapid wind gusts. The National Weather Service warned Southern California residents that Santa Ana winds would present the “highest possible” fire danger to the area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

MALIBU: Photos taken between 12 am to 3 a.m. The #FranklinFire has now reached 1,822 Acres per @CAL_FIRE https://t.co/Hikodgsyjj pic.twitter.com/DWu2ZDKvPl

— Samantha Bravo (@samanthavbravo) December 10, 2024

Pepperdine University, which has its main campus in Malibu, sheltered in place and canceled classes and finals due to the fires.  

“The Pepperdine community continues to shelter in place in Payson Library and the Tyler Campus Center,” the school posted on X early Tuesday morning. “The Franklin fire has grown to 814 acres and flames are visible from the Malibu campus. There are numerous LA County Fire Department engines on campus and their helicopters are using the lakes in Alumni Park to pick up water to drop on the fire from above.”

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One video shared with Fox Weather shows the blaze visible from inside the campus library. A few hours later, the school said the fire had effectively passed campus. 

Pepperdine University students watch the #FranklinFire burn #Malibu from inside the campus’ buildings https://t.co/p8n9vJHVCA pic.twitter.com/nzFTiEFYdT

— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) December 10, 2024

“The University understands the worst of the fire has pushed past Pepperdine. However, there are smaller spot fires on campus that are not threatening life or structures, and fire resources remain on campus to address these spot fires as they occur,” the school said. “Additionally, power remains out for much of Malibu and therefore, to ensure the safety of our community, we will maintain the shelter-in-place protocol until at least daylight. The EOC will continue to update the community.” 

The University understands the worst of the fire has pushed past Pepperdine. However, there are smaller spot fires on campus that are not threatening life or structures, and fire resources remain on campus to address these spot fires as they occur. Additionally, power remains out…

— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024

The city of Malibu has been providing periodic updates on the fire throughout the night and has listed locations where both residents and their pets can shelter.