The Franklin fire has nearly tripled in size as more people have been ordered to evacuate
Residents of the southern California city of Malibu have been forced to flee their homes after a wildfire erupted in the face of a powerful storm and hot weather across the region.
The Franklin fire started shortly before 11:00 p.m. Monday, and has spread over 2,200 hectares, forcing more than 6,000 people to evacuate their homes. The cause of the brush fire is still under investigation.
About 700 firefighters are working to battle the blaze as the sun rises on the West Coast.
There were no reports of serious injuries or deaths, and officials said Tuesday that a “small” number of homes had been destroyed. It is not clear how many have burned, but 2,000 buildings were in the evacuation zone.
The fire, which started near Pepperdine University, was moving south. Final exams were postponed and all schools in Malibu were closed until further notice. The university proposed a formal shelter, but said it may need to be returned if conditions worsen.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 150 personnel are helping with response efforts.
“The safety of our community members is our priority,” said Luna.
Red flag warnings were in effect until Wednesday.
The Franklin Fire continues to spread amid windy conditions
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Officials are warning residents to heed warnings as the threat continues
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The California night sky glows orange as the Franklin Fire issues evacuation orders
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Governor Gavin Newsom defends federal aid
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See the Franklin Fire in photos
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Students at Pepperdine University were systematically sheltered
A Malibu resident says the windows of firefighting helicopters are shaking
17:50 , Julia Musto
A Malibu resident said he woke up Tuesday to the windows of his home shaking from responding firefighting helicopters.
“I opened my window and behind my stuff … everything was full,” Linda, who did not give her last name, told KTLA. “I ran to the house, woke everyone up and put them in the car and left here.”
He said he was left trying to save his horses. Two were tortured and ran away, but he managed to save one.
“In the end, we only had about 45 minutes to get out of there,” he said.
He slept in a car with strangers and ended up finding two other horses unharmed, the station reported.
California cameras captured the Franklin Fire's smoke-filled skies
17:39 , Julia Musto
Smoke from the Franklin Fire can be seen rising over the hills of Malibu on Tuesday. (Cal Fire/ALERTCalifornia)
Malibu houses are shown in the hills of Los Angeles County affected by the Franklin Fire. (Cal Fire/ALERTCalifornia)
Yellow smoke fills the sky in Los Angeles County. The Franklin fire was still under control (Cal Fire/ALERTCalifornia)
Franklin fire in pictures: 2,200-acre fire threatens Malibu
17:26 , Julia Musto
A person walks along Malibu Canyon Road on Tuesday as the Franklin Fire approaches Malibu, California. The fire was moving south Tuesday morning ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
The Franklin Fire is burning Tuesday in Malibu, California. Smoke filled the sky ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong))
A car burned Tuesday during the Franklin Fire on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. An on-campus shelter was lifted ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
Students leave Pepperdine University on Tuesday as the Franklin Fire burns in Malibu, California. The dangerous weather was expected to continue through Wednesday ((AP Photo/Ethan Swope))
Pepperdine University is raising its shelter-in-place order at this time
17:13 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says the city has sent more than 15 fire engines to help fight the Franklin fire.
17:08 , Julia Musto
The fire in Los Angeles County started last night. The cause is unknown, and the fire is still under control (Cal Fire)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Tuesday the city is working to assist Malibu's firefighting efforts.
The Los Angeles Fire Department provided more than 15 fire engines to help with the response, he wrote on social media. Bass assured residents that the department is also ready to respond to any incidents in Los Angeles.
“Our Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Recreation and Parks worked to establish a shelter with the Red Cross to assist those evacuating,” he wrote.
“We encourage all residents of this area to continue to follow the instructions of public safety officials and stay informed as this fire continues.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom says he has received federal aid for the fire
16:56 , Julia Musto
On Monday, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services authorized the prioritization of firefighting services in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and Ventura counties.
The California night sky glows orange as the Franklin Fire issues evacuation orders
16:52 , Julia Musto
The California night sky glows orange as the Franklin Fire issues evacuation orders
Southern California officials are warning residents about the continued threat of wildfires
16:51 , Julia Musto
Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire Tuesday in Malibu, California. The cause of the brush fire remains under investigation ((AP Photo/Ethan Swope))
Officials have warned more than 18,000 residents in areas threatened by the Franklin Fire that the danger is not over.
“We are still under immediate threat due to red flag conditions,” warned Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone at a press conference early Tuesday.
There are about 8,100 buildings in that area. Of those, more than 2,000 were under mandatory evacuation warnings.
“Please follow all evacuation orders. That's the most important thing,” said Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins.
He said Malibu City Hall is in the evacuation zone.
In the early morning, winds were gusting to 40 miles per hour. The temperature was rising from 62 degrees to a high of 75.
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