A week after the Franklin Fire outbreak in Malibu, new red flag warnings have been issued for the same areas.
The National Weather Service did that issued a red flag warning and fire watch for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Santa Ana winds can produce gusts of up to 60 mph in some areas with lower humidity. With no recent rain activity, offshore winds increase the risk of fire danger.
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Hot spots in the Malibu area are still a concern, and officials worry that winds could spread embers that would ignite new flames.
Due to the forecast winds, Southern California Edison has reported that power shutoffs are being considered for nearly 17,000 customers in LA County and more than 13,000 customers in Ventura County.
On December 9, the Franklin Fire exploded in Malibu Canyon near Pepperdine University, burning more than 10,000 acres, prompting thousands of evacuations and damaging dozens of homes. As of Tuesday morning, crews have increased containment to 63% as the recovery phase continues.
At a news conference Tuesday, Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said the Franklin fire destroyed nine single-family homes and 10 outbuildings. It also damaged 13 single-family homes, seven commercial buildings and five outbuildings.
Several schools in Malibu canceled classes last week, including Pepperdine University. They also adjusted their final exam schedule as students were ordered to shelter in place.
“We are doing everything we can to prepare for this wind event and minimize impacts to the community,” Stewart said.
Stewart said resources and crews are ready if another fire breaks out.
During the height of the Franklin Fire, more than 2,000 firefighters were sent to battle the flames, along with air and ground resources. Water-dropping aircraft assisted crews in areas with steep terrain.
Kevin McGowan, director of the LA County Office of Emergency Management, said the recovery process after a wildfire can take years. His office is working with the city of Malibu to open a local assistance center at City Hall for people affected by the fire.
McGowan said the new red flag warning is not as serious as the warning before the Franklin Fire.
“There are still residents of the Woolsey Fire who are still going through the recovery process,” McGowan said.
The Woolsey fire devastated the same area of Malibu in 2018, burning nearly 97,000 acres. The fire killed three people and destroyed hundreds of homes. Within the first two days it had grown to more than 70,000 hectares.
Officials are asking people to be cautious of anything that could start a wildfire during the red flag warning.
