Malibu Firefighters Make Strides as Franklin Fire Reaches 89% Containment

Firefighters in Malibu have made significant progress in their battle against the Franklin fire, which is now reported to be 89% contained. The blaze, which has consumed 4,037 acres since it ignited shortly before 11 p.m. on December 9, has been held in check despite the return of the fierce Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching between 30 to 50 mph. The challenging weather conditions, combined with low humidity, prompted a red flag warning for critical fire danger that is expected to remain in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Nevertheless, fire crews have focused efforts on strengthening control lines in the rugged terrain, conducting mop-ups and patrols around affected structures, and stabilizing fire lines to prevent further erosion. In response to the fire, a Local Assistance Center was established at Malibu City Hall on Tuesday, providing vital information and resources for residents affected by the blaze. A town hall meeting is set to take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, where community members can gather updates on recovery efforts, school access, road conditions, utilities, and rebuilding initiatives. Utility officials have been closely monitoring circuits in the Malibu area in anticipation of potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) due to the high winds. Southern California Edison (SCE) has issued a PSPS monitoring notice for several circuits, including Cuthbert, Maguire, Merlin, and Serra. As of Wednesday morning, fewer than 1,000 customers across Los Angeles County had experienced power outages related to this program, with some in the immediate fire-affected area. All evacuation orders and warnings that were previously issued have now been lifted. At the peak of the fire's intensity, approximately 20,000 residents were under evacuation orders or warnings. Fire damage inspections have concluded, revealing that 20 structures were destroyed and an additional 28 were damaged. The Franklin fire's origin can be traced to a region with a high volume of dry brush, which has greatly contributed to its rapid spread. It ignited during a particularly dangerous period marked by a red flag warning from the National Weather Service, triggered by strong winds and extremely dry conditions. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In light of the disaster, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger has signed a local declaration of emergency. Moreover, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to bolster firefighting efforts. Residents who have been affected by the fire and are in need of assistance are encouraged to call 800-675-5799. For ongoing updates and more information regarding the Franklin fire, residents can visit the official Malibu city website at malibucity.org/franklinfire.