Franklin Fire in Malibu grows to 2,200 acres, forcing Pepperdine students to shelter in place

Franklin Fire in Malibu grows to 2,200 acres, forcing Pepperdine students to shelter in place

Dec. 10 (UPI) — The fast-spreading Franklin Fire burned more than 2,000 acres in the Malibu hills near Pepperdine University Monday evening as Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters marshalled their resources to contain the blaze.

The fire, aided by strong Santa Ana winds, burned 2,200 acres of land and threatened structures by Tuesday morning. Authorities said the fire outbreak was still under investigation Tuesday.

Five areas received evacuation orders and officials issued evacuation warnings for seven additional areas. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Pacific Coast Highway in the Malibu area was closed to traffic except for evacuees.

Pepperdine University issued a statement to X urging students to remain on campus.

“The university is now activating its shelter-in-place protocol,” the university said. “All community members on the Malibu campus are directed to seek shelter at the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library.

“Despite any evacuation orders from the City of Malibu or surrounding areas, the University community should follow the University’s instructions. We are not evacuating campus, even if surrounding areas can. This shelter-in-place protocol was approved by Los Angeles County Fire and implemented with their cooperation.”

About 12 million people from San Luis Obispo to San Diego are still under the red flag because of strong Santa Ana winds, dry vegetation and low humidity, increasing conditions for more wildfires.

Gusts ranged from tropical storm to hurricane force, 50 to 80 mph, officials said.

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