The Franklin Fire in California has prompted mandatory evacuations for parts of Malibu, burning at least 2,200 acres on both sides of the Pacific Coast Highway. The area under evacuation covers about 6,000 people and more than 2,000 structures, according to fire officials.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District closed all Malibu schools on Tuesday, Dec. 10, until further notice “due to ongoing fire and safety concerns.”
The fire, which was discovered Monday night, started near Pepperdine University. The Malibu Pier, which is 2 miles from the university, is also being impacted by the fire, according to a post on X from the City of Malibu. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to CalFire.
Photos below show firefighters battling the blaze overnight on Tuesday.