Franklin Fire Containment Reaches 54% as Crews Battle Smoldering Hotspots in Malibu
Three schools affected by the Franklin Fire in Malibu reopened on Monday, while a fourth remains closed for ongoing repairs as containment efforts progress. Authorities reported that the fire, which has burned 4,037 acres, is now 54% contained.
According to Cal Fire, fire activity has significantly diminished, with only smoldering and creeping observed in isolated areas within the fire perimeter. Crews are working diligently to strengthen containment lines, particularly in steep and hazardous terrain. Aerial suppression efforts have been instrumental in keeping the fire subdued, while fire suppression repairs are underway to mitigate erosion risks.
The situation remains concerning as a Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Santa Monica Mountains from 3:00 PM on Tuesday, December 17, through 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 18. This warning is due to anticipated strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity, which could escalate fire danger.
Damage inspections have been completed, with the fire resulting in significant losses. Officials confirmed that 20 structures have been destroyed, including nine single-family homes and 11 outbuildings. Additionally, 28 structures sustained damage, comprising 14 single-family homes, two multi-family dwellings, seven commercial buildings, and five outbuildings.
Franklin Fire Containment Reaches 54%: Actionable Analytics on EigenPrism
All EigenPrism® users can assess the impact on and near the active fire area from Dec 10, 2024, using the following report template:
California Franklin Wildfire 2024 Report Template
The report template has the latest available footprints, which include:
- CA Franklin Wildfire Proximity Map from NIFC
- CA Franklin Wildfire from NIFC
Dec 13 | Franklin Fire Contained 30% on Thursday After Raging Through 4,000 Acres
Improving weather conditions in Southern California on Wednesday offered hope to firefighters battling the Franklin Fire, which has consumed over 4,000 acres and destroyed multiple homes. By Thursday night, containment had reached 30%, according to fire officials.
Power outages affected nearly 60,000 customers across California. San Diego County faced the most significant impact due to preventative utility shutdowns. Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus also lost electricity, forcing some buildings to rely on generator power. Around the campus, fire activity has substantially reduced, leaving only small flames as crews continue extinguishing hot spots.
The Franklin Fire ignited near a tunnel in Malibu Canyon on Monday and was rapidly fueled by high winds, leading to aggressive growth and spread. Preliminary damage assessments have reported at least nine structures destroyed and six others damaged, though officials are continuing their evaluations. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported, according to the city of Malibu.
Franklin Fire Contained 30% on Thursday After Raging Through 4,000 Acres: Actionable Analytics on EigenPrism
All EigenPrism® users can assess the impact on and near the active fire area from Dec 10, 2024, using the following report template:
California Franklin Wildfire 2024 Report Template
The report template has the latest available footprints, which include:
- CA Franklin Wildfire Proximity Map from NIFC
- CA Franklin Wildfire from NIFC
ICEYE
Subscribers of ICEYE can use the following real-time footprint on EigenPrism® to quickly assess the impact of wildfire:
Franklin Fire – CA, USA as of Dec 12, 2024
Dec 12 | Franklin Fire Devastates Malibu, Scorching 4,000 Acres and Threatening Thousands
Fire crews in California are working tirelessly to combat the rapidly spreading Franklin Fire, which has engulfed the coastal community of Malibu. Thousands of residents, including notable celebrities, have been forced to evacuate as the fire continues to pose a significant threat. Nearly 2,000 first responders from various agencies are on the ground and in the air, battling the flames.
The fire, which erupted earlier this week, has scorched over 4,000 acres by Thursday morning, with containment efforts reaching only 7%. At least eight structures have been destroyed, and seven others sustained damage. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Malibu and Topanga Canyon, with officials warning residents of the advancing flames, which even jumped the Pacific Coast Highway. As of Wednesday evening, approximately 6,300 people remain under evacuation orders.
Although fierce winds that initially fueled the fire have started to weaken, officials caution that the blaze will take “a number of days” to be fully extinguished. Over 1,500 emergency personnel remain on-site, taking advantage of the improving weather conditions to intensify their efforts to control the fire.
Franklin Fire Devastates Malibu, Scorching 4,000 Acres: Actionable Analytics on EigenPrism
All EigenPrism® users can assess the impact on and near the active fire area from Dec 10, 2024, using the following report template:
California Franklin Wildfire 2024 Report Template
The report template has the latest available footprints, which include:
- CA Franklin Wildfire Proximity Map from NIFC
- CA Franklin Wildfire from NIFC
ICEYE
Subscribers of ICEYE can use the following real-time footprint on EigenPrism® to quickly assess the impact of wildfire:
Franklin Fire – CA, USA as of Dec 11, 2024
Dec 11 | Franklin Fire Fueled by Santa Ana Winds Ravages Malibu, Destroying Homes and Triggering Mass Evacuations
A dangerous wildfire erupted in Southern California on Tuesday, forcing evacuation orders for at least 20,000 residents in Los Angeles County. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the fast-moving blaze destroyed several homes in Malibu, California, after igniting on Monday.
The Franklin Fire ignited near Malibu Canyon Road and quickly spread due to strong Santa Ana winds, which have been recorded at gusts up to 76 mph. These conditions have exacerbated the fire’s intensity and hindered containment efforts. According to state firefighting officials, the wildfire had scorched approximately 3,000 acres and was 0% contained as of Tuesday evening. Approximately 2,000 structures are under mandatory evacuation, with an additional 12,500 people and more than 6,000 structures under evacuation warnings.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Malibu, where residents were warned of the approaching flames. Over 1,500 firefighters have been deployed to battle the blaze. Power outages have been reported across the area, with roads closed to all except evacuees. Emergency shelters have been set up to assist displaced individuals. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued red flag warnings covering about 12 million residents from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.
Santa Ana winds exacerbated the fire’s spread, with gusts reaching approximately 60 mph in the Santa Monica Mountains. Notably, a gust of 93 mph was recorded in the San Gabriel Mountains east of Los Angeles on Monday night, while Boney Mountain in the Santa Monica range experienced gusts of 76 mph on Tuesday.
Franklin Fire Fueled by Santa Ana Winds Ravages Malibu: Actionable Analytics on EigenPrism
All EigenPrism® users can assess the impact on and near the active fire area from Dec 10, 2024, using the following report template:
California Franklin Wildfire 2024 Report Template
The report template has the latest available footprints, which include:
- CA Franklin Wildfire Proximity Map from NIFC
- CA Franklin Wildfire from NIFC
ICEYE
Subscribers of ICEYE can use the following real-time footprint on EigenPrism® to quickly assess the impact of wildfire:
Franklin Fire – CA, USA as of Dec 10, 2024
Canopy Weather
Subscribers of Canopy Weather can assess the impact of winds from Dec 10, 2024, using this footprint within EigenPrism®:
Daily CONUS Peak Wind Gusts- Prelim 3 as of Dec 10, 2024
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