Evacuations ordered as major Franklin fire breaks out in Malibu amid red flag warnings

A large wildfire is burning in Malibu Canyon near Pepperdine University, prompting evacuations of residents.

The fire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, was first reported just after 10:45 p.m. near S. Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary just south of the Piuma area, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

At 11:45 p.m., crews reported that the fire had already destroyed approximately 100 acres. Although there were no damaged structures, some were threatened, according to fire officials.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies were evacuating residents living in zone MAL-C112, which includes the area east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, as well as the Serra Retreat. More information about evacuations is available on the City of Malibu website.

Multiple water drop aircraft were called to the scene as crews considered the fire a third alarm incident.

It is unclear how the fire started.

California Highway Patrol officers closed Malibu Canyon from Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway as the gunfight continued.

Pepperdine school officials released a statement saying they were closely monitoring the fire.

“The fire is not currently affecting any university campuses,” the statement said. “The Malibu Campus and surrounding area may experience power outages as a result of this incident.”

Weather officials was concerned about the fire hazard that would affect most of Southern California to pave the way. Unusually low humidity combined with a powerful Santa Ana wind movement created dangerous conditions, leading them to issue a “red flag warning for a particularly dangerous situation.”

In response, SoCal Edison has already warned tens of thousands of Los Angeles County residents that their service could be shut down if winds intensify.

The conditions were similar to the weather at that time A mountain fire broke out in Ventura County early November. That fire burned nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed more than 200 structures.

This is a development story. Check back for more information.