A fire that began Monday near Pepperdine University in Malibu was just 7% contained as of Thursday morning with 4,000 acres burned and at least seven structures destroyed.
Firefighters’ efforts have been constrained by low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds, which have placed much of Los Angeles County under red flag warnings. In addition to Malibu, red flag warnings are in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Fernando Valley, and the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains.
As a result of the Franklin Fire, 20,000 residents have been told to evacuate their homes. Well-known celebrities like Dick Van Dyke are among those who have been forced to flee.
Pepperdine University staff and students have been sheltering in place, as roads in and out remain closed. All schools in Malibu will remain closed Thursday due to wind, power outages, and fire, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District said.
Check CalFire for updates.