Pasadena Fire Department Sends Units to Assist with Franklin Fire in Malibu

The Pasadena Fire Department has dispatched resources to assist with the rapidly spreading Franklin Fire in Malibu, as the blaze continues to threaten structures and force evacuations along the Southern California coast.

Lisa Derderian, spokesperson for the Pasadena fire department, confirmed that one fire engine with four personnel and one battalion chief have been assigned to the Franklin incident.

The Franklin Fire, which ignited late Monday night near Malibu Canyon Road, has grown to 1,822 acres with no containment as of early Tuesday morning. The blaze has crossed the Pacific Coast Highway, affecting structures including the Malibu Pier.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road, south of Piuma Road, and the Serra Retreat area. All schools in Malibu are closed for Tuesday.

Pepperdine University, located near the fire, has implemented a shelter-in-place protocol and suspended normal campus operations.

The rapid spread of the fire is attributed to severe Santa Ana winds, with gusts exceeding 50 mph reported near the fire area. The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings until Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighting efforts continue both on the ground and in the air, with water-dropping helicopters being utilized.