People who lost their homes in the fire appeared in court to urge the judge to deliver a harsh sentence.
The brushfire swept through Malibu's Corral Canyon on Thanksgiving weekend and destroyed 53 homes.
Franks is one of five men authorities said were having an illegal late-night campfire near a cave when the fire broke out. Fanned by Santa Ana winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour, the flames raced across hills and canyons, forcing residents from their homes with little time to grab any valuables.
Six firefighters were injured, and many family pets were killed.
Several residents of Corral Canyon were crying when they spoke before the judge, detailing the ongoing consequences as they try to rebuild their homes and lives. Some said they were under-insured and will never be able to rebuild their houses.
Many of the victims said they felt community service was not adequate punishment. They said Franks deserved jail time.
"I'm angry. I'm horribly angry. These people stole what was most dear to me," Carri Karuhn, who lost her home in the fire.
"They were so stupid, they were so selfish, and they were so reckless, and it really doesn't seem like they care."
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