Emergency Measures in Malibu as Franklin Fire Rages On
Malibu, Calif. is currently in a state of alert as emergency services work tirelessly to battle the fierce Franklin Fire, which began late Monday evening. The fire, which ignited just before 11 p.m. near the intersection of Malibu Canyon Road and the Pacific Coast Highway, has escalated dramatically, now covering over 2,800 acres of dry brush and wilderness. It started off small, at just 10 acres, but conditions driven by powerful Santa Ana winds have allowed the blaze to explode in size and threatening structures in its path.
Evacuations and Safety Measures in Full Effect
As the flames crackled ominously close to the campus of Pepperdine University, the university wasted no time in taking precautions. Classes, including finals, were canceled, and students were outright instructed to shelter in place as flames could be seen flickering from the campus. Power was turned off for tens of thousands of residents Monday night to reduce the risk of further ignitions from damaged electrical equipment.
According to officials, the fire has already resulted in the destruction of at least seven structures and damaged an additional eight. The evacuation orders are affecting around 6,000 people and more than 2,000 structures. Meanwhile, an evacuation warning concerns an even larger crowd—approximately 12,500 people—and over 6,000 structures.
The University’s Shelter-in-Place Protocol
To ensure the safety of students, Pepperdine activated its shelter-in-place protocol, which was lifted before 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. The university reported power outages and reassured students that they were closely monitoring the situation. “The fire is not currently threatening the campus, but we are monitoring it closely and are in contact with emergency officials,” they stated on social media.
Videos surfaced showing students huddling inside the Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library, with the flames encroaching alarmingly close. Some footage even captured trees igniting near the library, while heroic firefighting helicopters swooped in to draw water from the school’s lakes for crucial fire-fighting efforts.
Damage and Uncertainty Lingers
As the situation unfolds with no containment in sight, the full extent of the damage remains to be seen. Damage estimates are yet to be determined, but local officials expressed concern that many homes may be severely affected. “It’s certain some number of homes are definitely going to be badly damaged,” said a city spokesperson.
This wildfire doesn’t merely impact the university campus; it has broader implications for local schools as well. Four schools in the Malibu area—Webster Elementary, Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High School—will remain closed on both Wednesday and Thursday due to safety concerns.
Community Spirit Amid Chaos
The sense of community is palpable, especially in the face of panic. Local celebrities, such as star of Star Wars Mark Hamill, shared on social media how he was adhering to lockdown measures, adding a touch of humor by stating, “I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle.”
The state of emergencies are having a significant impact, yet the determination of firefighters and volunteers remains unwavering. As they work around the clock to protect homes and lives, residents are encouraged to stay alert and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
Stay Safe, Malibu
As Malibu braces for what may transpire in the coming days, the community is reminded to take precautions, stay informed, and offer any assistance they can to those affected by this raging inferno. Constant updates and maps are made available by local fire departments for those wishing to monitor the situation closely.
This fire season has proven once again that vigilance and cooperation are key to surviving nature’s unpredictability. Stay safe, Malibu!
