Malibu's Franklin Fire Forces Evacuations and Power Outages

A rapidly intensifying wildfire, named the Franklin Fire, threatened Malibu, California, leading to evacuations and power shutdowns. As sheriffs ordered residents to evacuate, Pepperdine University students sheltered in place overnight. The Los Angeles Fire Department battled the fire, which spanned 1,822 acres, prompting a red flag warning due to extreme wind conditions.

In Malibu, California, sheriff deputies took action before dawn on Tuesday, urging residents to evacuate as the fast-growing Franklin Fire endangered homes near the beach community.

The wildfire's impacts extended to Pepperdine University, where students were advised to shelter overnight due to power outages and the advancing flames, forcing some to seek refuge in the school's commons and library.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was actively combating the blaze, which spanned 1,822 acres. Amid high wind warnings, evacuation sites were established in Malibu as officials urged caution with gusts predicted to reach up to 80 miles an hour.

(With inputs from agencies.)