Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Julia Musto,Stuti Mishra and James Liddell

Malibu Franklin Fire: About 20% contained, some residents can return home soon as cause remains under investigation

Malibu Robert Luna

A fast-moving wildfire scorched more than 4,000 acres in Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames raced toward homes, horse farms and Pepperdine University.

The Franklin Fire, another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Officials confirmed nine structures were destroyed and six had been damaged. Fire officials said it will take a “number of days” to put out the blaze, which was 20 percent contained early Thursday afternoon. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

The strongest winds in the area had passed and meteorologists said high fire dangers decreased, which aided efforts to contain the fire. Evacuations in Malibu displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities Dick Van Dyke and Cher.

Mayor Doug Stewart said earlier in the week that the fire had marked a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city.

More than 1,900 personnel continued to battle the blaze, with many roads closed and others under security patrols. Some areas would reopen to residents.

“To those who are still waiting, know that every efforts is being made to ensure your safety and your return as soon as possible,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.

Franklin fire latest news

  • Franklin fire grows to more than 4,000 acres
  • Red flag warning expires on the Malibu coast
  • Dick Van Dyke, Cher were evacuated from their homes
  • Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke says his neighbors ‘saved’ him
  • Officials say approximately 20,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings

Watch: California night sky glows orange as Franklin Fire rages

Wednesday 11 December 2024 09:30 , Stuti Mishra

Wildfires conditions to ease by the end of the week

Wednesday 11 December 2024 11:15 , Stuti Mishra

Firefighters in Southern California are continuing to battle the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which has scorched more than 3,000 acres since igniting late on Monday.

Although the powerful Santa Ana winds that fuelled the fire have begun to subside, forecasters warn that wildfire risks remain high through Wednesday due to low humidity.

Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, told the New York Times that wind speeds, which peaked at 50mph on Tuesday, are expected to drop below 20mph by midday Wednesday. However, the dry conditions could still allow new fires to spark.

By Thursday, an increase in humidity and ocean breezes are expected to reduce the risk, with forecasters predicting light rain by the end of the week, offering some relief to the fire-stricken region.

Why Pepperdine students sheltered in place as wildfire threatened their campus

Wednesday 11 December 2024 12:15 , Stuti Mishra

The wildfire alert came in the middle of the night as some college students in Southern California were cramming for final exams and others were woken up in their dorms.

But rather than run away from the impending blaze, some 3,000 students at Pepperdine University headed toward two buildings at the heart of the 830-acre (336-hectare) campus in coastal Malibu, California, to shelter in place.

The protocol at the Christian university with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean may seem to defy logic to those accustomed to scenes elsewhere in wildfire-prone California of thousands of residents evacuating fire zones in lengthy caravans of cars.

Read more:

When fire threatened a California university, the school says it knew what to do

Photos: Destruction caused by Malibu wildfires

Wednesday 11 December 2024 13:15 , Stuti Mishra

A stable is destroyed as the Franklin Fire grows in Malibu, California (AFP via Getty Images)
A firefighter hoses down hot spots around a fire-ravaged property after the Franklin Fire swept through Malibu (AP)
A charred hillside is seen after the Franklin Fire swept through on the Pepperdine University grounds (AP)

Nearly 4,000-acre Franklin Fire is nearly 7 percent contained

Wednesday 11 December 2024 14:12 , Julia Musto

Malibu’s Franklin Fire had spread over nearly 4,000 acres by Wednesday mroning.

The blaze scorched 3,983 acres, Cal Fire reported.

However, the agency also reported that firefighters had made some progress. The wildfire is 7 percent contained.

Pepperdine University says fire activity around campus is ‘greatly diminished'

Wednesday 11 December 2024 14:35 , Julia Musto

These roads are closed because of the Franklin Fire

Wednesday 11 December 2024 14:55 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles fire officials to hold morning press conference

Wednesday 11 December 2024 15:15 , Julia Musto

Malibu fire map: Thousands of acres of California scorched by wildfires as 20,000 evacuate

Wednesday 11 December 2024 15:30 , Julia Musto

Malibu fire map: 3,000 acres of California scorched by wildfires

Firefighters work to put out Franklin Fire’s flames as blaze grows

Wednesday 11 December 2024 15:45 , Julia Musto
Wind whips embers from the trees while a firefighter works Tuesday amid the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California. The wildfire has spread quickly over the past day (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)
A firefighter watches as the Franklin Fire burns on Tuesday in Malibu, California. Hundreds of personnel were assigned to the incident (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)
Firefighters watch as the Franklin Fire burns on Tuesday in Malibu, California. No injuries or deaths have been reported (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)
A firefighter works in windy conditions Tuesday as the Franklin Fire burns in Malibu, California. The wildfire is fueled by the Santa Ana winds (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)

Students shelter as Franklin Fire burns meters from Pepperdine University windows

Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:15 , Julia Musto

Students shelter as Franklin Fire burns meters from Pepperdine University windows

Los Angeles County officials say fire acreage increased by 39 percent overnight

Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:29 , Julia Musto

The Franklin Fire increased in acreage by 39 percent overnight, Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday morning.

As the brush fire grew along its western edge, it threatened the Malibu Beach RV park.

Thus far, nine structures have been damaged in the blaze, and seven others were destroyed.

Crews are continuing to work to establish containment lines and defense structures. More than 1,500 personnel were assigned to the incident.

While they have made some headway, the entire fire area remains under threat as long as red flag conditions continue, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone explained.

The red flag event was expected to end around 6 p.m. PST.

Fire personnel, Marrone said, would remain on the scene until the fire is contained.

“They’re all working to protect our community and we thank all of the affected residents for their cooperation and especially for their resilience,” he told reporters.

As 19K residents are affected by Franklin Fire, its cause remains under investigation

Wednesday 11 December 2024 16:43 , Julia Musto

The cause of the Franklin Fire remained under investigation on Wednesday.

The nearly 4,000-acre blaze has forced thousands of Malibu residents from their neighborhoods.

There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a morning news briefing. Luna said that was a “huge victory” and a testament to residents’ excellent cooperation.

“Our priority continues to be the safety of our residents,” he said.

Luna, urging people to remain alert, said that no crimes had been reported in places that were threatened by the wildfire. He also announced additional road closures in the area.

There are 19,982 people and 7,560 structures in the affected area. In addition, 12,600 people are under evacuation orders and 7,382 are under evacuation warnings

Wednesday is the last day of the severe fire weather warning, Lindsey Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said.

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said his city was far better off this morning than before, noting that traffic signals were utilizing back-up generator power. Some traffic signals on highway on- and off-ramps were temporarily out on Tuesday.

“It’s inspiring and it’s humbling to have this level of support,” he said.

Pepperdine University says its power has been restored

Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:00 , Julia Musto

Here are the new road closures, evacuation areas

Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:15 , Julia Musto

Wildfire smoke advisory remains in place through Wednesday afternoon

Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:30 , Julia Musto

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory around Los Angeles County and the site of the Franklin Fire on Wednesday.

The advisory is valid until 5 p.m. PST.

City of Agoura Hills encourages residents to stay prepared

Wednesday 11 December 2024 17:47 , Julia Musto

Malibu City Council member says his home will be ‘uninhabitable'

Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:00 , Julia Musto

A Malibu City Council member said his home was damaged in the Franklin Fire.

“The house is going to be uninhabitable,” Bruce Silverstein told The New York Times on Tuesday night. “It needs a major, major amount of work.”

He said that the fire appeared to have entered the building through the chimney, burning one side on the inside.

Nearly 200 engines are working on the Franklin Fire

Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:15 , Julia Musto

There are more than 1,500 personnel working on the Franklin Fire.

In addition, Cal Fire reported that numerous firefighting air tankers were flying fire suppression missions.

There are also 187 engines, 56 dozers, and 12 water tenders.

Winter doesn’t prevent wildfires, Cal Fire chief says

Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:30 , Julia Musto

Malibu resident says fireproofing helped protect her home

Wednesday 11 December 2024 18:45 , Julia Musto

Fireproofing steps helped to protect a Malibu resident’s home from the Franklin Fire.

Rosie Rains said she had recently trimmed her trees and cleared surrounding brush from her yard, according to KABC-TV.

She also put safer pre-burnt wood on her roof and built a firetruck turnaround in her yard.

“There are a lot of people up here that don’t do that,” she told the station. “You’re only as safe as what your neighbors are doing.”

Returning home after a wildfire? Here’s what to do

Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:00 , Julia Musto

Smoke advisory is extended

Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:14 , Julia Musto

Power outages in California continue to fall

Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:15 , Julia Musto

Fewer than 50,000 California customers were without power on Wednesday, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.

That tally had exceeded 60,000 on Tuesday.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors chair assures progress is being made

Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:30 , Julia Musto

Malibu Library remains closed

Wednesday 11 December 2024 19:45 , Julia Musto

Meta social media platforms are down as the fire continues to burn

Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:00 , Julia Musto

All of Meta’s platforms – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads – appear to have broken in a huge outage.

“Hi, we know there’s a technical issue impacting some people’s ability to access Instagram,” it wrote on the official Instagram page on X/Twitter. “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience.”

The Independent’s Andrew Griffin has the latest:

The whole of Meta has broken

Here are the latest evacuation and shelter updates

Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:15 , Julia Musto

Photos show devastation of Malibu wildfire

Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:34 , Julia Musto
A firefighter works at a home devastated by the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Multiple homes were destroyed in the blaze ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong))
Firefighters work at a home devastated by the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Evacuation orders continued through the day ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong))
The Franklin Fire burns in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Pepperdine University said active flames were diminished on campus (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)
The wind whips embers from the trees as the Franklin Fire burns in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. The fire has spread over nearly 4,000 acres (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)

Malibu’s Franklin Fire has now spread over more than 4,000 acres

Wednesday 11 December 2024 20:42 , Julia Musto

Malibu’s Franklin Fire has now spread over more than 4,000 acres, according to Cal Fire.

The 4,031-acre blaze is still 7 percent contained.

Here’s how to help people affected by the fire

Wednesday 11 December 2024 21:00 , Julia Musto

Malibu resident recalls fire moving toward RV park

Wednesday 11 December 2024 22:00 , Julia Musto

A Malibu man is recalling the moment the Franklin Fire approached the city’s RV park.

“You could see the fires rolling in, in over the canyon. It was like ‘Holy crap, this is real,’ ” Shawn Smith told The Associated Press.

Smith was asleep when someone knocked on his mobile home to wake him up.

A day, later, he returned to find that the RV park had been saved by firefighters.

“We got lucky,” he said.

Power is restored in some areas of Malibu

Wednesday 11 December 2024 23:00 , Julia Musto

Red flag warning expires on the Malibu coast

00:00 , Julia Musto

A red flag warning that was scheduled to extend into Wednesday afternoon has been canceled.

Winds decreased earlier than expected, according to KTLA.

Other red flag warnings that were scheduled to expire Wednesday evening also were canceled.

Pepperdine University shares video of wooden cross still standing on hills above campus

01:00 , Julia Musto

The 20-foot-tall wooden cross had previously been destroyed by the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

It was later replaced by brothers of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

They carried the cross in pieces up the hill in honor of Seaver College student Alaina Housley, who was killed in the shooting at the Thousand Oaks-based Borderline Bar and Grill.

Malibu resident speaks out after his home is destroyed in the Franklin Fire

02:00 , Julia Musto

A Malibu resident is speaking out after his home was destroyed in the Franklin Fire.

“It’s pretty torched all around,” Lonnie Vidaurri, 53, told The Associated Press.

His four-bedroom home was located in the Malibu Knolls neighborhood and was one of seven that had been destroyed.

Vidaurri, his wife, and two young daughters evacuated to a hotel in Santa Monica.

He expects that the family’s pet bunnies did not survive the fire, and that they lost most of their things.

“My girls cried, obviously, but it could have been worse.”

Dick Van Dyke faces tragic loss amid Malibu wildfire evacuations: ‘We’re praying’

03:00 , Julia Musto

Dick Van Dyke faces tragic loss amid Malibu wildfire evacuations

Malibu restaurant owner recalls scary moment during Franklin Fire

04:00 , Julia Musto

A restaurant owner is speaking out after the Franklin Fire came without a quarter mile of his business early Wednesday.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from reaching Malibu Seafood Fresh Market and Patio Cafe.

“That still was a bit too close for comfort,” John Christensen told USA TODAY.

“This place is like a cat, it has nine lives, and is still here,” Christensen said, referring to his restaurant. “We love it here.”

Malibu traffic lights are operational with one exception

05:00 , Julia Musto

Here are road closures to know about in Malibu

06:00 , Julia Musto

Malibu resident says Franklin Fire hit area ‘hard’

07:00 , Julia Musto

A Malibu resident is recalling the moment he thought the Franklin Fire might not be a “big deal.”

“I was going back to check on their homes and I was actually thinking that it was going to be no big deal,” Malibu resident Fred Roberts told Reuters.

“But, after I’ve seen this one and that one there burnt, I know this is the real deal,” he said. “And it did hit here hard.”

Malibu resident says he was surrounded by fire

08:00 , Julia Musto

Malibu resident Alec Gellis described the moment he was surrounded by flames from the Franklin Fire at his home.

“I thought I was going to have to drive through a ring of fire just to get out of here,” he told Newsweek.

See it: Franklin Fire Spreads Rapidly In Malibu, California

09:00 , Julia Musto

WATCH: Santa Ana winds fuel dangerous Franklin Fire in Southern California

10:00 , Rachel Sharp

Newlywed couple in tears as fire ravages new home

10:30 , James Liddell

A newlywed Californian couple were amongst those who lost their homes and all their belongings in the wildfire.

Michelle and Blake Geffen had recently moved into a rental property in the Serra Retreat Community when they got a call from their landlord urging them to evacuate.

They grabbed their cat and passports and jumped in their car fleeing scorched Malibu.

The couple found out their home and all their possessions were destroyed while watching a news bulletin, according to NBC Los Angeles.

“We heard screaming in our neighborhood. And we just knew something was off. And we got a call from our landlord, and he just said, hey, there’s a fire, you need to go,” Michel told the news station.

Michelle added: “I just want to say thank you so much to all the really, really brave men and women out there who are doing their best to fight, you know, just really, really, they’re real heroes. It’s really brave.

“It makes me cry. It makes me grateful. It makes me want to give back.”

Containing Franklin Fire will take ‘a number of days'

11:00 , James Liddell

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said that it could take a “number of days” to put out the blaze completely.

Fire crews have made steady progress, with changing weather patterns helping the Franklin Fire to reach seven percent containment on Wednesday evening.

There does, however, remain a challenge: the Malibu Canyon.

Once firefighters can get to the hard-to-reach terrain and remote regions, they will cut down vegetation to inhibit the fire from spreading further, according to Cal Fire.

Cool temperatures, calm winds and a chance of rain offers relief for California fire crews

12:00 , James Liddell

Changing weather conditions in Southern California may bring fire crews some much-needed respite as they continue to try and contain the blaze swapping through the region.

This week’s forecast is predicting cooler temperatures, calmer winds and a chance of rainfall is forecast to help firefighters battle a wind-driven blaze in hard-reaching terrain that’s driven thousands from their homes in Malibu.

Improving weather conditions lead to meteorologists discontinuing all red flag warnings on Wednesday.

Firefighters may have “a lot of success” despite the nearly inaccessible terrain thanks to the weather, CalFire Assistant Chief Dusty Martin said.

In photos: Firefighters and residents sift through Malibu’s charred remains

13:00 , James Liddell
LA County Fire Department firefighters extinguish hotspots at a home destroyed in the Franklin Fire on December 11, 2024 in Malibu (Getty Images)
The wildfire has scorched 4,000 acres near Pepperdine University, destroying some homes and forcing thousands to evacuate (Getty Images)
A person sifts through the remains of a home destroyed in the Franklin Fire on December 11, 2024 in Malibu, California (Getty Images)

‘It’s pretty torched all around’: Evacuated Malibu residents speak out

14:00 , James Liddell

Malibu residents whose lives have been upturned by the Franklin wildfire have spoken out.

Lonnie Vidaurri left behind his four-bedroom home in the Malibu Knolls neighborhood which was charred by raging fires. Vidaurri, his wife and two young daughters evacuated to a hotel in Santa Monica.

“It’s pretty torched all around,” Vidaurri told the Associated Press. He expects that the family’s pet bunnies did not survive the fire, and that they lost most of their things.

“My girls cried, obviously, but it could have been worse.”

Red Cross spokesperson who worked in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, Mimi Teller, said many people arrived in their pajamas and were “definitely in shock.”

“Nobody even had a backpack, it was, ‘Get out now,’” she said. “One lady didn’t even have a leash for her dog, she just scooped them up.”

Fast asleep on Tuesday morning, Shawn Smith was awoken when someone knocked on his RV at 3 a.m. Smith, along with residents from the Malibu RV Park, were evacuated.

“You could see the fires rolling in, in over the canyon,” he said. “It was like ‘Holy crap, this is real.’”

Red flag warnings have ended but hazards remain across Southern California

14:36 , Julia Musto

Red flag warnings were ended over the area affected by the Franklin Fire, but forecasters said that elevated to brief critical conditions are lingering through the evening for the southwest Santa Barbara County and the San Gabriel Mountains.

A beach hazards statement was in effect in the region through Sunday afternoon, including for the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County beaches. Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf of between four and six feet are forecast, as well as coastal flooding and tidal overflow.

“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore,” the National Weather Service said.

And, a storm system off the Oregon coast will bring breezy coastal winds and light rain chances to the northern areas and mountains.

Friday is expected to be dry, but another system is being watched with impacts anticipated over the weekend.

Southern California Edison says power has been restored to customers

15:14 , Julia Musto

Amid improved weather conditions, utility Southern California Edison said Thursday that power has been restored to customers in the Malibu area and that traffic signals are functioning after windy weather resulted in temporary outages, MyNewsLA.com reported.

Despite restoration, the city said evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

Just over 6,000 customers are currently without power in the state, according to PowerOutage.US.

Los Angeles County Mayor says city will ‘get through this together'

15:31 , Julia Musto

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart assured residents that the city is with them on Wednesday night.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with our community members who have lost their homes during this disaster,” he told reporters at a news briefing.

“We will get through this together, and the city will be with you every step of the way.”

Los Angeles County officials said that approximately 20,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings and 6,300 people have been evacuated.

Deputy Fire Chief Albert Yanagisawa announced that nine structures had been destroyed.

“We recognize that the updates are difficult to hear,” he said.

“As we look forward in the days to come, I want to ensure that getting the citizens back into their homes is our number one priority,” said Cal Fire’s Dusty Martin. “But, to do that, we have to make sure that the area is safe before we can let folks back in.”

Martin said that there are 1,974 personnel working to fight the more than 4,000-acre blaze. The wildfire remains just 7 percent contained.

He explained that the challenging area was the west side of the fire, but that they expected the winds to possibly shift direction on Thursday.

Gusts may be up to 20 miles per hour, he said.

Dick Van Dyke faces tragic loss amid Malibu wildfire evacuations: ‘We’re praying’

15:55 , Julia Musto

Actor Dick Van Dyke said Thursday that trying to escape the Malibu Franklin Fire was “exhausting.”

“It was coming from the hill, you could see it,” the Mary Poppins star told NBC’sToday show. “And oh my God, and we got out of here. I was trying to crawl to the car, I had exhausted myself, I couldn’t get up.”

He said his neighbors “saved” him. Video from his doorbell camera showed the moment he left.

“Three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me,” Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, recalled.

Roads to Pepperdine University remain closed

16:15 , Julia Musto

Helicopter footage shows rapid spread of Franklin Fire in Malibu

16:30 , Julia Musto

Dick Van Dyke’s orange cat Bobo has been found

16:43 , Julia Musto

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke and his wife Arlene were able to return to their home after evacuating from Malibu’s Franklin Fire.

The house was unharmed, and his orange cat Bobo was reported to be safe.

Bobo had escaped as the couple was fleeing the flames.

Calabasas Community Center is closed as an evacuation shelter

17:00 , Julia Musto

Malibu’s State Route 1 remains closed in both directions

17:20 , Julia Musto

Franklin Fire smoke plumes seen 25 miles away

17:30 , Julia Musto

CHP shares scary photo of smoke from the Franklin Fire as reminder to heed orders

18:10 , Julia Musto

Aftermath of scorching Franklin Fire seen in pictures

18:30 , Julia Musto
Burned outdoor furniture is seen Wednesday in Malibu, California, after the Franklin Fire. Multiple homes were destroyed by the brush fire ((AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes))
A road signed is burned after the Franklin Fire on Wednesday in Malibu, California. The fire is now more than 4,000 acres ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire on Wednesday in Malibu, California. They made some headway as red flag warnings were lifted (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)
The Malibu Pier stands empty on Wednesday in Malibu, California. Tens of thousands of residents were under evacuation orders or warnings ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong))

Red Cross spokesperson says Franklin Fire evacuees were ‘in shock’

19:14 , Julia Musto

A Red Cross spokesperson who works at a shelter in Pacific Palisades said Franklin Fire evacuees had arrived there in pajamas.

They were “definitely in shock,” Mimi Teller told The Associated Press.

“Nobody even had a backpack, it was, ‘Get out now,’” she said.

Newlyweds say they lost everything in Franklin Fire

19:35 , Julia Musto

Malibu residents and newlyweds, Blake and Michelle Geffen, recall the dramatic moment they were forced to evacuate their home.

“Our neighbor called us and told us that there was a fire and we immediately looked at each other and grabbed our cat and very few belongings,” Michelle told KTLA.

“We only have the clothes on our backs and we just left. [We lost] everything. We had just gotten married,” she said.

Los Angeles County officials to give update

19:49 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles County officials give Malibu residents some good news: Franklin Fire now 20 percent contained

20:26 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles County officials gave Malibu residents some good news on Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters had made substantial process on fighting the 4,037-acre Franklin Fire, and containment was up to 20 percent, according to Cal Fire’s Dusty Martin.

Martin announced that there would be some phased repopulation, but added that safety was important for everyone there.

“We need to ensure that we have the first responder safety, along with the safety for the residents,” he said.

“There was a valiant effort among the firefighters in the first 36-48 hours,” said Deputy Fire Chief Eleni Pappas.

Pappas also noted that four of the nine structures destroyed in the blaze were homes.

The first phase of resident repopulation would begin shortly, officials reported. But, mandatory evacuation orders would only be lifted in some areas.

“To those who are still waiting, know that every efforts is being made to ensure your safety and your return as soon as possible,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart asked for his residents’ patience.

“It is not safe to come back in parts of Malibu yet,” he explained.

The cause of the fire is still under active investigation.

Cooler weather conditions helped firefighters make progress

20:45 , Julia Musto

Cooler weather conditions and higher humidities helped firefighters make progress on the Franklin Fire on Wednesday and Thursday.

The red flag event that brought wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour had passed.

Deputy Fire Chief Eleni Pappas said officials were expecting to get cooperation from the weather.

“It is a plus,” she said.

Some light showers were forecast in the region on Thursday.

Unfortunately at this time of year and even with rain, she noted, the fuels are very dry and some places have not burned in decades.

Firehawk pilot speaks out on difficulty fighting the Franklin Fire

21:14 , Julia Musto

A Firehawk helicopter pilot is speaking out about his experience tackling Malibu’s Franklin Fire.

“We were working on structure protection around Pepperdine,” Jeff Seabrook, a pilot with the Ventura County Fire Aviation Unit, told NBC 4 Los Angeles.

“To get there coming from the north, we are cresting over two ridges, not only at night, but now you can’t see the aircraft that are leaving Pepperdine as we’re coming inbound to that area,” he explained.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Cynthia Erivo got just three hours sleep a night filming 'Wicked' — here’s how to manage your sleep during a busy period
Cynthia Erivo confessed to sleeping just two to three hours a night while filming Wicked... here's how to make the most of a short sleep schedule.
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Stone Tablet Engraved With Ten Commandments Sells For $5 Million
A stone tablet carrying engravings of the Ten Commandments sold for $5 million at auction on Wednesday, Sotheby's announced.
International Business Times
International Business Times
Liquid Death’s leather mosh pit diaper sells out after viral bathroom incident at concert
The $75 diaper is made from faux leather with metal chains and sharp spikes
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Stephen Colbert on Justin Trudeau’s political crisis: ‘Welcome to the club’
Late-show hosts talk Americans’ Christmas food preferences, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau’s political crisis and RFK Jr’s strange gym outfit
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
“I haven't heard anything that makes me go, why didn't I do that? I haven't heard that in a long time, which makes my job easy”: As he and Snoop Dogg release their new album, Missionary, Dr Dre says that the current hip-hop scene doesn’t inspire him
“When Dr Dre makes music, his music don't sound like nobody else's music,” says Snoop
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
People Get Emotional After Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Spotted Being Protected By 5 Bodyguards
"It’s sad seeing our childhood heroes get old man..." The post People Get Emotional After Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Spotted Being Protected By 5 Bodyguards first appeared on Bored Panda.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play