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Franklin Fire in Malibu grows to 4,000+ acres with 30% containment after homes destroyed

Flames burned near Pepperdine University and forced thousands in the coastal city to evacuate.

KABC logo
Last updated: Friday, December 13, 2024 7:46AM GMT
Franklin Fire mandatory evacs downgraded; some allowed to return home
The mandatory evacuation orders for the Franklin Fire were downgraded on Thursday to voluntary evacuation orders, allowing those who evacuated to finally return home.

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.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
KABC logo
Dec 12, 2024, 5:52 AM

Franklin Fire map shows perimeter, evacuation areas

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.

KABC logo
Dec 12, 2024, 10:20 PM

Malibu fire evacuations, road closures

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

  • South of Piuma Road, north of the Pacific Ocean coastline, east of Puerco Canyon Road/Corral Canyon Park, west of Los Flores Canyon Road
  • Between the Pacific Ocean coastline and Tuna Canyon Park to the west of Tuna Canyon Road

Evacuation warnings

  • East of Trancas Canyon Road and Kanan Dune Road, west of Topanga Canyon Blvd/Surfview Drive, south of Mulholland Highway, north of Evacuation Order boundary. Includes Topanga Zone 8 and 10

MAP: Franklin Fire in Malibu evacuations

Road closures

Soft closures: Open only to residents with identification

  • Topanga Canyon Road to Pacific Coast Highway
  • Old Topanga Canyon Road at Mulholland Highway to Topanga Canyon

Hard closures:

  • Tuna Canyon at Pacific Coast Highway
  • Kanan at Pacific Coast Highway
  • Saddle Peak at Tuna Canyon
  • Stunt Road at Mulholland Highway
  • Cold Canyon at Piuma Road
  • Piuma Road at Malibu Canyon all the way to Pacific Coast Highway

Related story: Malibu fire road closures

Evacuation centers

  • Calabasas Community Center at 27040 Malibu Hills Rd.
  • Santa Monica Unified School District Facility at 2802 4th St.
  • Large animals: Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367; and Agoura Animal Care Center in Agoura

Sid Garcia Image
BySid Garcia KABC logo
Dec 13, 2024, 1:08 AM GMT

Mandatory evacuations downgraded; residents allowed to return home

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, effective immediately, the mandatory evacuation orders will be downgraded to voluntary evacuation orders, allowing those who evacuated to finally return home.

The county fire department will also be giving a live update on its YouTube page at 6 p.m.

Several road closures remain in effect. For the latest information on evacuations, shelters, and road closures, click here.

Dec 13, 2024, 7:46 AM GMT

Containment increased to 30%

The Franklin Fire in Malibu remains at 4,037 acres, but Cal Fire officials said on Thursday that containment has increased to 30%.

After assessing the damage, so far, officials say a total of nine structures have been destroyed, which includes four homes and five smaller structures, like sheds.

Cal Fire officials say the Franklin Fire's size remains at 4,037 acres, but the containment has increased to 20%.
Jaysha Patel Image
ByJaysha Patel KABC logo
Dec 12, 2024, 7:57 PM GMT

Power restored in Malibu as fire crews make progress

Southern California Edison announced power has been restored to customers and traffic signals are working again.

The destructive and disruptive Franklin Fire in Malibu has burned more than 4,000 acres.
KABC logo
Dec 12, 2024, 3:11 AM GMT

Franklin Fire destroys 9 structures, damages 6

The Franklin Fire has destroyed nine structures and damaged another six, though only 25% of the area had been surveyed, fire officials said during a press conference Wednesday evening.

The blaze has grown to 4,035 acres with 7% containment. Officials said they are working to reopen roads and lift evacuation orders.

WATCH: Officials provide update on Franklin Fire

The Franklin Fire has destroyed nine structures and damaged another six, fire officials said during a press conference Wednesday evening.

Firefighters had "a lot of success" battling the blaze Wednesday thanks to the improving weather, but it continued to burn in an area of very steep terrain that is difficult to access, CalFire Assistant Chief Dusty Martin said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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