No looting reported in Franklin Fire evacuation areas, sheriff says
More than 30 hours after the Franklin Fire erupted in Malibu, there have been no reports of looting or burglaries at homes and businesses in the evacuation areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday.
Luna provided the update during remarks at a morning news conference. On Tuesday, the sheriff had issued a stern warning to any thieves or intruders who might consider taking advantage of the situation.
With much of Malibu under evacuation orders and warnings, on Wednesday residents waited anxiously to see whether their properties had been spared by the fire, which erupted late Monday and grew to more than 6 square miles. It was just 7% contained.
More than 1,500 firefighters were battling the blaze, with many climbing in steep canyons near lines of flames and others hosing down collapsed roofs of horse stables and charred homes.
