Red Flag fire warnings are expected to remain in effect for the Malibu area along the Southern California coast until Wednesday afternoon following the Franklin Fire. The blaze has led to evacuation orders or warnings for 20,000 residents, including some celebrities, and over 8,000 homes and businesses. Tens of thousands have lost power, and schools have been forced to cancel classes.
The wildfire, which started on Monday, spread rapidly at its peak, consuming an area larger than five football fields per minute and destroying at least seven structures. Many residents, including longtime Malibu resident Fred Roberts, are facing the harsh reality of lost homes. Roberts expressed his shock at the devastation, reminiscing about playing in a friend's house in the area since childhood.
Officials are cautiously optimistic that the scheduled expiration of Red Flag warnings on Wednesday will aid in controlling the blaze. A Red Flag warning indicates a heightened risk of fire due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart noted improvements in the situation but urged residents to remain vigilant.
Despite positive weather trends, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone advised the 12,600 residents under evacuation orders to stay alert as the fire's behavior could change if winds shift direction. Firefighters have made progress around Pepperdine University's Malibu campus, with only small flames remaining as they address lingering hot spots.
Pepperdine University announced the lifting of a shelter-in-place protocol and the end of a precautionary power outage on campus. The university has canceled on-campus finals and allowed remaining students to depart on Wednesday morning. While winds have calmed since late Monday, the National Weather Service warned of continued gusty winds, especially in mountainous areas, through Wednesday morning.
The weather service has downgraded high-wind warnings to advisories, providing some relief to the affected areas. The community continues to monitor the situation closely and remains prepared for any changes in fire conditions.
