This story at a glance…

1. The Franklin Fire has burned 2,800+ acres in Malibu, forcing evacuations.

2. Santa Ana winds spread flames across the Pacific Coast Highway.

3. Pepperdine students sheltered in place as schools closed citywide.

4. Firefighters battle the blaze, but questions about preparedness linger.

Franklin Fire Tears Through Malibu 

The Franklin Fire ignited late Monday night in Malibu Canyon and quickly erupted into a ferocious blaze, consuming more than 2,800 acres by Tuesday evening. Residents of Malibu and the surrounding areas faced a terrifying reality as powerful Santa Ana winds propelled the flames toward neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

By 2 a.m., the fire leaped across the Pacific Coast Highway, threatening the picturesque Malibu Pier. Flames scorched the arid terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains, forcing thousands to flee their homes. The city issued mandatory evacuation orders for central and eastern Malibu, while power outages plunged over 10,000 Los Angeles County residents into darkness.

Pepperdine University on Edge
Pepperdine University, located in the heart of Malibu, was directly in the fire’s path. By 1 a.m., the administration issued a shelter-in-place order, instructing students and staff to gather in fire-resistant locations such as the Tyler Campus Center. While the university was spared significant damage, smaller fires continued to burn around the campus throughout the night.

In a social media update, the university reassured the community, stating, “Power remains out for much of Malibu, and to ensure safety, we will maintain the shelter-in-place protocol until daylight.” Classes and finals were canceled for the day, with operations suspended indefinitely.

A Community on High Alert
As firefighters battled to contain the blaze, Malibu residents and local officials reflected on lessons learned from previous disasters, such as the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire. Matt Myerhoff, Malibu’s information officer, described how advanced communication systems helped streamline evacuation efforts.

Sheriff Robert G. Luna of Los Angeles County announced that residents in approximately 2,000 structures in Malibu were ordered to evacuate, while another 6,000 structures were under evacuation warnings. He stated that about 18,000 people live in the evacuation zones.

Using door-to-door alerts, loudspeakers, and LA-RICS radios, first responders efficiently evacuated residents in zones like Serra Retreat, where flames encroached on retreat center properties. "We are safe. All retreats evacuated safely," said a spokesperson from Serra Retreat.

The Fight Against Wildfires
California’s wildfire season remains relentless, with conditions ripe for destruction. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, citing low humidity and wind gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour. Similar weather patterns contributed to November’s Mountain Fire, which consumed nearly 20,000 acres.

Officials are urging residents to prepare their properties using “defensible space” techniques. As Cal Fire explained, creating a 30-foot buffer around homes by clearing flammable vegetation and using ignition-resistant materials can significantly reduce wildfire risk. Such precautions, combined with family evacuation plans and emergency go-bags, offer the best chance of survival during a wildfire.

The City of Malibu, in conjunction with Cal Fire, opened temporary evacuation centers, including one at Palisades Recreation Center. Large animals were relocated to Pierce College, underscoring the community’s collective effort to ensure the safety of residents and their cherished belongings.

Reflection
The devastation in Malibu reminds us of life’s fragility, yet also of God’s unchanging presence. Isaiah 41:10 reassures us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Even amid loss, we see His grace in the bravery of first responders, the kindness of neighbors, and the hope of rebuilding. Let us pray for strength, protection, and comfort for those impacted, trusting that God can bring beauty from ashes and light to the darkest times.