Residents of the southern California city of Malibu were forced to flee their homes after another late-season wildfire was fueled by strong winds and warm weather.
The Franklin fire started shortly after 11 pm on Monday, and has since spread over 2,200 acres, forcing more than 6,000 people to leave their homes. The cause of the brush fire remains 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 on Tuesday that the number of homes destroyed was “limited”. It is not clear how many burned, but 2,000 buildings were in the evacuation zone.
The fire, which started around Pepperdine University, was moving south. Final exams at the school were canceled and all schools in Malibu were closed until further notice. The university has lifted shelters in place, but said it could be withdrawn if the situation worsens.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 150 crews are assisting with the response.
“The safety of our community members is our number one priority,” Luna said.
The red flag warning was in effect until Wednesday.
The Franklin fire continues to spread through the air
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Officials are warning residents to heed the warning as the threat continues
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The California night sky glows orange as the Franklin Fire urges evacuation orders
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Governor Gavin Newsom maintains federal aid
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See the Franklin Fire in pictures
Franklin fire in pictures: The 2,200-acre blaze threatens Malibu
17:26 , Julia Musto
A person walks along the road in Malibu Canyon on Tuesday as the Franklin Fire reaches Malibu, California. The fire was moving south Tuesday morning ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
The Franklin Fire burns Tuesday in Malibu, California. Smoke fills the sky ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong))
A car burns Tuesday during the Franklin Fire on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. A shelter in the center of the campus has been raised ((AP Photo/Eric Thayer))
Students leave Pepperdine University on Tuesday as the Franklin fire burns in Malibu, California. Dangerous weather was expected to continue Wednesday ((AP Photo/Ethan Swope))
Pepperdine University raises housing in a structured environment now
17:13 , Julia Musto
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says the city has dispatched more than 15 fire engines to help fight the Franklin Fire.
17:08 , Julia Musto
The Los Angeles County fire started around midnight last night. The cause is unknown, and the fire is not yet contained (Cal Fire)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Tuesday that the city is working to help Malibu’s firefighting efforts.
The Los Angeles Fire Department provided more than 15 fire engines to help with the response, he wrote on social media. Bass assured residents that the department remains ready to respond to any incidents in Los Angeles.
“Our Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Recreation and Parks worked to create shelters with the Red Cross to help those who fled,” he wrote.
“We encourage all residents of the area to continue to follow the instructions of public safety officials and to stay aware of this fire as it continues.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom says he has received federal aid for the fire
16:56 , Julia Musto
On Monday, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services authorized the deployment of firefighting resources in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and Ventura.
The California night sky glows orange as the Franklin Fire urges evacuation orders
16:52 , Julia Musto
The California night sky glows orange as the Franklin Fire urges evacuation orders
Southern California officials are warning residents about the threat of wildfires
16:51 , Julia Musto
Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire on Tuesday in Malibu, California. The cause of the brush fire remains under investigation ((AP Photo/Ethan Swope))
Officials warned more than 18,000 residents in areas threatened by the Franklin Fire that the disaster was not over.
“We continue to be threatened with red flag conditions,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone warned at a Tuesday morning news conference.
There are about 8,100 properties in that area. Among them, more than 2,000 were under evacuation orders.
“Please follow all evacuation orders. That’s the most important thing,” Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins advised.
He said the City of Malibu was in an evacuation zone.
Early in the morning, the wind was blowing up to 40 miles per hour. The temperature was rising from 62 degrees to a high of 75.