A fire near Southern California’s downtown Malibu is spreading quickly, prompting mandatory evacuations and threatening structures, including the city’s iconic Malibu Pier. Nearby Pepperdine University canceled classes Tuesday, as students sheltering in place on the school’s Malibu campus watch the flames in the distance.
Latest Updates:
- High winds and low humidity are worsening conditions near the Franklin Fire. Winds are gusting in the 40-mph range and are expected to ramp up around daybreak. Humidity levels are critically low, with values as low as 5%. The National Weather Service warns of strong and damaging winds through at least late Tuesday morning, peaking around daybreak.
- The fire has grown to more than 1,800 acres, nearly tripling in size in just one hour, according to CALFire.
- Evacuation orders have been issued east of Malibu Canyon Road and South of Piuma Road and the Serra Retreat area. About 6,000 people and more than 2,000 structures are under evacuation orders.
Videos taken at Pepperdine University show people walking around the grounds, with flames blazing in the distance. The university has asked students to shelter in place at the campus library and student center. Fire engines are on campus, with some spot fires remaining.
The dry air, gusty winds, and dry vegetation are creating conditions conducive to new fires quickly spreading out of control, potentially threatening life and property. The City of Malibu has activated its Emergency Operations Centers and stated that the fire has a rapid rate of spread.
