A wildfire in Malibu prompts evacuations as it burns near Pepperdine University

A fast-moving wildfire in Malibu forced evacuations early Tuesday, with flames threatening Pepperdine University as students huddled in the campus library, watching the sky turn an ominous red. Dubbed the Franklin Fire, the blaze scorched at least 2.8 square miles and prompted officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for the university.

“Bright Red Flames Growing Closer”

“It was so scary,” said Pepperdine student Gabrielle Salgado, describing the sight of flames intensifying outside. “Seeing that bright red color just get brighter and brighter was terrifying,” she told KABC-TV. The university later reassured students that the worst of the fire had moved past the campus, although smaller spot fires persisted.

Evacuations and Danger Amid Santa Ana Winds

The fire erupted amid notorious Santa Ana wind conditions, with gusts up to 65 mph fueling its rapid spread. Los Angeles County fire officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for about 6,000 residents east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road. Over 2,000 structures were threatened as helicopters doused flames with water from Pepperdine’s Alumni Park.

Pepperdine canceled classes and finals for the day. “The university understands the worst of the fire has pushed past campus. However, smaller spot fires remain,” the school said in a statement. Fire crews stayed on site to prevent further flare-ups.

Rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Declared

The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Santa Ana winds, which are dry, warm, and gusty, heightened the fire risk, forcing power outages to tens of thousands as utilities aimed to prevent electrical equipment from sparking additional blazes.

With winds forecast to intensify through Tuesday, firefighters remain on high alert as the Franklin Fire underscores Southern California’s vulnerability to wildfire destruction.