Crews achieved full containment of the Franklin Fire in Malibu Wednesday, withstanding the temporary return of gusting Santa Ana winds.
The fire burned 4,037 acres, destroying 20 structures and damaging another 28, according to Cal Fire, which turned over full command of the firefighting effort Wednesday to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Firefighters had to cope with sustained winds and gusts of 30 to 50 mph Tuesday night and early Wednesday, coupled with low humidity. A red flag warning of critical fire danger was scheduled to be in place until 6 p.m. Wednesday, but the winds died down earlier than expected, and the National Weather Service lifted the red flag warning shortly after 3 p.m.
A Local Assistance Center was opened at Malibu City Hall on Tuesday, providing residents with information and available resources for fire recovery. The city held a town hall/community meeting Wednesday evening at the City Hall council chamber, 23285 Stuart Ranch Road, to discuss recovery resources and updates on schools, road access, utilities and rebuilding efforts.
Utility officials were monitoring circuits in the Malibu area for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Southern California Edison issued a PSPS monitoring notice for circuits including Cuthbert, Maguire, Merlin and Serra, due to high winds expected through Wednesday evening.
As of Wednesday afternoon, fewer than 1,000 SCE customers throughout Los Angeles County had their power cut through the program, including some in the Malibu fire area.
All evacuation orders and warnings that had been issued due to the fire have been lifted. At the height of the fire, roughly 20,000 people were under either evacuation orders or warnings.
The blaze began shortly before 11 p.m. Dec. 9 in a Malibu Canyon area where a high volume of dry brush contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. It erupted in the midst of a rare “particularly dangerous situation red flag warning” issued by the National Weather Service in response to strong wind gusts and dramatically dry conditions. The cause was still under investigation.
Officials said residents affected by the fire can receive assistance by calling 800-675-5799.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger signed a local declaration of emergency in response to the fire early last week. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with the firefight.
More information about the Franklin Fire is posted at malibucity.org/franklinfire.