Residents of the southern California city of Malibu have been forced to flee their homes after another year-end wildfire, fueled by high winds and warm weather, swept through the area.
The Franklin Fire started shortly before 11 p.m. Monday and has since spread across 2,200 acres, forcing more than 6,000 people to evacuate their homes. The cause of the forest fire is still under investigation.
About 700 firefighters were working to battle the blaze as the sun rose on the West Coast.
There have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths, and officials said Tuesday that a “minimal” number of homes had been destroyed. It was not immediately clear how many had been set on fire, but there were 2,000 buildings in the evacuation zone.
The fire, which started around Pepperdine University, moved south. The school's final exams were postponed and all schools in Malibu were closed until further notice. The university lifted a shelter in place but said it may have to reopen if conditions worsen.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 150 personnel were assisting with the response efforts.
“The safety of our community members is our first priority,” Luna said.
The red flag warnings were in effect until Wednesday.
The Franklin Fire continues to spread in windy conditions
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Officials are warning residents to heed warnings if the threat continues
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California's night sky glows orange as Franklin Fire issues evacuation orders
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Governor Gavin Newsom secures federal aid
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See the Franklin Fire in photos
The Franklin Fire in photos: The 2,200-acre fire threatens Malibu
17:26 , Julia Musto
A person walks along Malibu Canyon road Tuesday as the Franklin Fire approaches in Malibu, California. The fire moved south Tuesday morning ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
The Franklin Fire is burning in Malibu, California on Tuesday. Smoke has filled the air ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong))
A vehicle burns during the Franklin Fire on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, on Tuesday. A shelter-in-place order for campus was lifted ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
Students evacuate from Pepperdine University on Tuesday as the Franklin Fire burns in Malibu, California. Hazardous weather was expected to continue through Wednesday ((AP Photo/Ethan Swope))
Pepperdine University is lifting its shelter in place for the time being
17:13 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says the city has sent more than 15 fire engines to help battle the Franklin Fire
17:08 , Julia Musto
The fire in Los Angeles County started late last night. The cause is unknown and the fire is not yet under control (Cal Fire)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Tuesday that the city is working to support Malibu's firefighting efforts.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has provided more than 15 fire trucks to support the response, she wrote on social media. Bass assured residents that the department also remains ready to respond to any incidents in Los Angeles.
“Our Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Recreation and Parks have been working with the Red Cross to set up shelters to assist those who have been evacuated,” she wrote.
“We encourage all area residents to continue to follow the guidance of public safety officials and stay informed as this fire continues.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom says he has received federal assistance for the fire
16:56 , Julia Musto
On Monday, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services approved the proposal for firefighting resources in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and Ventura counties.
California's night sky glows orange as Franklin Fire issues evacuation orders
16:52 , Julia Musto
California's night sky glows orange as Franklin Fire issues evacuation orders
Officials in Southern California are warning residents of the ongoing threat of wildfires
16:51 , Julia Musto
Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, on Tuesday. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation ((AP Photo/Ethan Swope))
Officials warned more than 18,000 residents in areas threatened by the Franklin Fire that the danger had not passed.
“We remain under an imminent threat due to the red flag conditions,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone warned during a news conference Tuesday morning.
There are approximately 8,100 structures in that area. Of these, more than 2,000 were under mandatory evacuation warnings.
“Follow all evacuation orders. That is the most important thing,” said Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins.
She said Malibu City Hall was in an evacuation zone.
In the early morning the wind blew up to 40 miles per hour. The temperature rose from 62 degrees to a high of 75 degrees.
