LA wildfire grew by an area greater than five football fields per minute - 20,000 evacuated

20,000 people were evacuated from Los Angeles county this week as a wildfire, which started in Malibu on Monday, continued to rage in the area.  

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued a warning on Tuesday night about the "very extreme fire danger" persisting across southern California, as thousands of first responders continued efforts to control the wildfire.

The fire spanned 4.5 miles by early Wednesday, encompassing the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area and extending to central Malibu, affecting large beachside properties. Over 1,500 firefighters from various agencies were working to control the fire as of Tuesday night.

Approximately 12 million people were under red flag warnings on Tuesday due to strong Santa Ana winds exceeding 60 mph (96 kmph) and dry undergrowth, creating conditions conducive to rapid fire spread.

Captain Jennifer Seetoo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department emphasized the unpredictability of fire at a news conference, urging residents in affected areas to be prepared, have a plan, and follow evacuation orders. She assured that deputies would patrol evacuated areas to prevent looting, stating, "We will not tolerate anyone coming to this community to re-victimize our community members."

While no deaths or injuries have been reported, the fire still threatens over 8,000 properties, with at least seven already destroyed. The fire's cause is still unknown and under investigation.

According to NBC News, the Franklin Fire had grown to nearly 4,000 acres Wednesday afternoon with only 7% containment.  After that it grew 600 acres Wednesday morning, the city of Malibu said in an update. No deaths or injuries have been linked to the fire. The fire broke out Monday night local time.

Power outages affected more than 45,000 customers in the area, although some Pepperdine educational buildings are powered by generators. Early Wednesday, Pepperdine reported on social media that fire activity near the campus had "greatly diminished as the Franklin Fire has burned through most of the fuel immediately surrounding campus."

Wildfire grew by an area greater than five football fields per minute

CNN reported that in its most intense phase, the wildfire (which started on Monday) expanded at an alarming pace, consuming an area greater than five football fields per minute and destroying at least nine buildings. Some individuals are now grappling with the heartbreaking reality of having lost their homes.

Nearly 2,000 firefighters assisted in battling the blaze on Wednesday as weather conditions improved. According to CalFire incident commander Dusty Martin, firefighters would begin efforts on Thursday to contain the fire in the steep and inaccessible terrain of the Malibu Canyon area. However, Martin stated that it will likely take “a couple of days” to contain the fire.

30 % contained by Thursday night - almost 4000 residents allowed to return back home

Cooler weather aided California firefighters in making significant progress on the wildfire,  allowing about 3,700 residents to return home by Thursday, according to officials.

The Franklin Fire has burned over 4,000 acres and destroyed several homes, and by Thursday night, it was reported to be 30% contained, fire officials stated.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License

Wildfire in Santa Clarita, California in October 2007.

Date: 21 October 2007, 07:15

Source: Fire At Night

Author: Jeff Turner