A large brush fire, known as the Franklin Fire, is burning near Pepperdine University in Malibu, prompting evacuations for some residents.
The fire was first reported shortly after 10:45 p.m. near South Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. By 11:45 p.m., the fire had already consumed approximately 100 acres. While no structures were reported damaged, firefighters noted that some were at risk.
Evacuations were underway for residents in zone MAL-C112, as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department worked to ensure public safety. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Aerial footage showed flames advancing rapidly as California Highway Patrol officers closed Malibu Canyon Road between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway to assist firefighting efforts.
Weather conditions have heightened the fire danger across much of Southern California. A "particularly dangerous situation red flag warning" was issued due to a combination of powerful Santa Ana winds and unusually low humidity. Officials likened the conditions to those that fueled the Mountain Fire in Ventura County in early November, which scorched nearly 200,000 acres and destroyed over 200 structures.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
