The Franklin Fire in Malibu, which began on the night of December 9, 2024, continues to be a significant and active threat. As of December 11, firefighting teams remain engaged in battling the flames. This fire, located near Malibu Canyon Rd and Malibu Creek State Park, has prompted evacuation orders, widespread alerts, and significant firefighting efforts across the region.
Fire Details and Efforts
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though crews have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze. The fire has spread across steep, rugged terrain, making containment efforts difficult but not impossible. On the north side, the fire has remained south of Piuma Road, while on the west side, it crossed Puerco Canyon Ridge into Corral Canyon. On the south side, flames have crossed Pacific Coast Highway, heading toward Malibu Road, where firefighting teams are focusing on protecting structures.
Firefighting efforts have included air and ground operations, with retardant drops and the construction of handlines to close containment gaps. Despite challenging conditions, crews have continued to work aggressively to control the fire on all fronts.
Evacuation Orders, Warnings, and Road Closures
Evacuation orders have been issued for areas with an immediate threat to life. These include parts of Malibu Canyon Rd and neighborhoods under the MAL-C and MCR-U evacuation zones. Residents in these areas are required to leave immediately.
Evacuation warnings are in place for areas where there is a potential threat to life or property, urging residents to evacuate, particularly those with pets or livestock.
Road closures have been implemented to keep residents and first responders safe, and to prevent the further spread of the fire:
- Soft closures: Areas such as Topanga Canyon Rd to Pacific Coast Highway are open to residents with proper identification.
- Hard closures: These include:
- 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
These closures are essential to allow firefighting crews to access key areas and to keep civilians safe.
Shelters and Animal Evacuation
As the fire continues to impact the community, shelters have been set up to assist displaced residents:
- Palisades Recreation Center at 851 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- Santa Monica Unified School District, 2828 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (which accepts pets)
For animal evacuations, shelters are available at:
- Agoura Animal Care Center in Agoura Hills for small animals
- Pierce College in Woodland Hills for large animals
The City of Malibu has opened an Emergency Information and Supplies Station at Zuma Beach, where residents can access vital supplies such as food, water, and first aid assistance.
How to Help
The community can support firefighting and relief efforts in several ways. Donations can be made to local relief organizations, including financial contributions and donations of water, non-perishable food, and other emergency supplies. Volunteers are also needed for animal shelters and for distributing supplies at Zuma Beach.
For those looking to assist, the City of Malibu’s official website provides up-to-date information on how to contribute and stay informed about the evolving situation.
Conclusion
The Franklin Fire remains a significant threat to Malibu, with mandatory evacuations, road closures, and the ongoing need for resources. The fire’s spread has prompted extensive emergency responses, with local agencies and the community working tirelessly to contain the flames. As the situation evolves, staying informed through official channels and providing support where possible remains critical for those affected.