The Franklin Fire has devastated around 1,200 hectares in MalibuCalifornia, destroying at least seven structures, damaging eight others and affecting more than 20,000 peopleaccording to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Security elements face winds of up to 80 km/h and a humidity of barely 5-10%so the fire continues to advance without being completely contained. This situation has forced the authorities to double the number of firefighters fighting the incident.
The fire started near Malibu Canyon Road y Station Boundarysouth of the Piuma area, shortly after 10:50 p.m. on Mondayaccording to the Los Angeles County Fire Department in statements collected by CBS. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the fire spread rapidly toward the Pepperdine University campus and residential areas such as Malibu Road and Sweetwater Mesa, reported NBC. By Tuesday afternoon, he had consumed more than 1,200 hectares, according to data from state authorities.
Now more than 1,500 firefighters They work to fight the fire with the support of helicopters, bulldozers and specialized equipment, according to data published by NBC. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, secured the allocation of additional resources by obtaining a Grant FEMA Fire Management Program.
Structural damage includes the destruction of seven buildings and partial damage to eight more, but a more detailed inspection will be carried out later Wednesday, according to NBC. Meanwhile, more than 20,000 residents have been evacuated or are under evacuation warnings. The city of Malibu, without power in several areas, has faced interruptions in communications, including in mobile services, according to the fire chief, Anthony Marrone. So far, at least 11,050 customers have been left without power, but the number could exceed 38,000.
Among the evacuees are students from the Pepperdine Universitywho have been ordered to take shelter in campus facilities due to power outages. The protocol, approved by county firefighters, guarantees food, water and safe shelter.
For its part, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is conducting door-to-door evacuations and security patrols to protect abandoned properties from vandalism while those affected remain in shelters and shelters. “We will not tolerate anyone re-victimizing this community,” said the captain. Jennifer Seetoo, in statements collected by NBC.
Meanwhile, schools in Malibu They will remain closed until Thursday December 12according to the school district. This affects Webster Elementary, Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle y Malibu High School. However, the schools of Santa Monica they will remain open, he reported CBS.
Authorities have established shelters to support displaced residents and their pets:
- Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District: 2828 4th St., Santa Monica, CA.
- Calabasas Community Center: 27040 Malibu Hills Rd., Calabasas, CA.
- Pierce College (animales grandes): 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA.
- Agoura Animal Care Center (small animals): 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA.
Several major roads in Malibu have been closed to ensure safety:
- Malibu Canyon Roadfrom Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
- PCH: Closed between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Kanan Dume Road.
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard: Only local traffic allowed.
Warning to drivers: It is recommended to avoid the area and use Highway 101 to travel between Santa Monica and Ventura.
The fire has been fueled by Santa Ana winds, which have reached gusts of up to 80 km/hand due to extremely low humidity, between 5 y 10%. Although conditions could improve by Wednesday, risks remain, meteorologist says Paul Deanno of KCAL News. Cooler temperatures expected later this week could help containment efforts, officials said.
Although firefighters plan to take advantage of lower temperatures and higher overnight humidity to advance containment, the threat of unpredictable conditions remains. The Fire Department warns that low humidity and isolated gusts could complicate efforts.
With the help of FEMA, the state and local emergency teams, the priority remains protecting lives and property in this community that still remembers the devastating losses of the incendio Woolsey in 2018.
