Flames burned near Pepperdine University and forced thousands in the coastal city to evacuate.
MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters are battling a wind-driven brush fire in Malibu that prompted evacuation orders and warnings for much of the city and caused Pepperdine University students to shelter in place on campus for two nights.
The Franklin Fire was reported just before 11 p.m. Monday in the area of Malibu Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway. The blaze has since grown to 4,037 acres and containment stands at 30%.
At least nine structures were reported destroyed and another six damaged as of Wednesday evening. The cause of the fire is unknown.
A real-time map provided by fire officials showed the perimeter and evacuation areas of the massive Franklin Fire.
The map on the Los Angeles County Fire Department website reflected the mandatory evacuation order that covered the area east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, as well as the Serra Retreat area.
Fire officials said the voluntary evacuation order area encompassed about 6,000 people and more than 2,000 structures. The evacuation warning area covered 12,500 people and more than 6,000 structures.
Voluntary mandatory evacuations
Evacuation warnings
MAP: Franklin Fire in Malibu evacuations
Road closures
Soft closures: Open only to residents with identification
Hard closures:
Related story: Malibu fire road closures
Evacuation centers
According to the city of Malibu, the fire has spread over Pacific Coast Highway and is threatening structures near the Malibu Pier and Malibu, Malibu Knolls and Sweetwater Mesa roads.
Thousands of people were forced to evacuate in Malibu after a brush fire broke out overnight. One woman told Eyewitness News she evacuated with her boss and barely had time to gather anything, apart from some sentimental items.
She became emotional and she described what she experienced as she tried to escape the flames.
"I can't believe it.. I want to scream and cry but what can I do?"
One of her main concerns was her livestock. She was only able to free one horse, but said two others managed to escape and run away.
"The horses were back at the house. I couldn't get them but, at least, I feel a little bit OK because I feel like I released them... I'm just hoping for the best."
