Tag: Franklin Fire

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Tuesday, September 30, that city staff are working to recoup federal disaster reimbursement for public infrastructure damages as a result of recent wildfires in January 2025. The Palisades and Franklin Fires impacted the Malibu area with varying degrees of damage.

On January 8, 2025, President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking FEMA Public Assistance funding. Since then, City staff have worked tirelessly to secure reimbursement for fire recovery costs—ensuring Malibu residents aren’t left to shoulder the financial burden. A total of 17 projects totaling more than $13.28 million in damages have been submitted.

The breakdown:

• Debris Removal (Cat A): $1.86M – clearing burned material from city roads, parks, and properties.

• Emergency Protective Measures (Cat B): $5.16M – costs for the Emergency Operations Center, City Hall smoke cleanup, sandbags, guardrail protection, septic tank abatement, and emergency security.

• Roads & Bridges (Cat C): $1M – fire-related roadway and bridge repairs.

• Water Control Facilities (Cat D): $3.16M – storm drains and deep-water systems, especially in Big Rock.

• Parks & Facilities (Cat G): $2.1M – repairs at Las Flores Creek Park and other recreation areas.

FEMA covers 100 percent of emergency work for the first 180 days. After 180 days, any expenses would follow FEMA 75 percent thereafter (with California covering 18.75 percent and Malibu 6.25 percent).

Malibu is also pursuing Hazard Mitigation Grants for projects like drainage repairs, traffic signal backup power, and private property wildfire mitigation—building resilience for the future.

To see the presentation to the Malibu City Council on the reimbursement work visithttps://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/36486/FEMA-Reimbursements-Presentation-to-Council-982025-?fbclid=IwY2xjawNJ_e5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBrVHRJRnJuajczS20wVVJRAR6xKbOEotb6Iy4LS62WK0Kq5VbMGXh1XdZcRFnJinr9UHK-LxrfK_uPuT_oQQ_aem_3_vfsbuvdOONinLGrVzxwQ.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On May 22, the City of Malibu issued a press release announcing that on May 21, the Malibu City Council voted unanimously to hire a private security company to patrol the burn sites of both the Palisades and Franklin fires.

The timing of this decision coincides with the May 23 reopening of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) which had previously been monitored by the California National Guard.

Reports indicate that the intent in hiring additional security personnel is to support and enhance the security already in place through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lost Hills Station.

The following information came directly from the Malibu City website.

“In coordination with LASD, Covered 6 will deploy four patrol units and a dedicated supervisor, operating in marked vehicles. These patrols will respond to public safety incidents, assist with community engagement, and work closely with LASD personnel.

Additionally, LASD 6 will enhance its presence on PCH through high visibility patrols, strict law enforcement, and undercover operations. Looter suppression efforts will be intensified, with [a] zero tolerance approach to crime and traffic violations.

LASD is also coordinating with the California Highway Patrol and other agencies to ensure a safe and orderly reopening of the highway.

Residents are urged to take an active role in protecting their properties. Homeowners and business owners impacted by the fires are encouraged to complete a “Letter of Agency” at the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.

This document authorizes deputies to enforce trespassing laws on private property in the owner’s absence. This means officers can take action against unauthorized individuals without contacting the property owner first.

LASD advises property owners to secure their property (ensure gates, doors, and windows are locked),[or to] report suspicious activity to LASD at 818-878-1808 if they observe unauthorized individuals on their property. “

Those who would like more information are encouraged to contact Malibu City Public Safety Director, Susan Dueñasat at 310-456-2489 ext. 313, or SDuenas@MalibuCity.org.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On Sunday, December 15, the LA County Sheriff’s Department posted on its Facebook page an update to the Franklin Fire.

As of 9 a.m. @lacountyfd reported that acreage remains at 4,037, and containment is now at 42 percent. Teams have completed 95 percent of the damage inspections, and the numbers remain at 19 structures destroyed (8 single family dwellings and 11 outbuildings), and 27 structures damaged (14 single family dwellings, 1 multi family dwelling, 7 commercial, and 5 outbuildings).

http://local.nixle.com/alert/11323527/

For the most up to date information visit:

https:///acounty.gov/emergency
https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/map.cfm

The city of Malibu posted details about resources on its Facebook page.

“Malibu, we know that recovery from the #FranklinFire is overwhelming. LA County has resources to help, from property tax relief and rebuilding, to mental health support and business recovery services.

Find information on available County resources and recovery efforts: recovery.lacounty.gov/franklinfire.

There are also several nonprofit organizations within the Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA) that provide disaster aid, including:

-Greater Los Angeles County American Red Cross: Call the 24-hour intake number at (800) 675-5799
-The Salvation Army: Visit socal.salvationarmy.org or call (562) 264-3600
-Tzu Chi Foundation: Call 909.447.7799 or email info@tzuchi.us
-United Policy Holders: Email info@uphelp.org

Additionally, the Los Angeles Region Community Recovery Organization, established in the wake of the 2018 Woolsey Fire, has a list of key local, county, state and federal resources to assist in disaster assistance: bit.ly/4ff0ETT

City Resources: Check updates on the City’s website at www.malibucity.org/franklinfire. Call the City’s information line at 310-456-2489 (available daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Please remain vigilant and continue to monitor updates. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this evolving situation together. Together, we will rebuild Malibu stronger than ever.”

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page on December 16 that Malibu City Hall will reopen for normal operations beginning Wednesday, December 18 at 8 a.m.

During the evening, there will be an in-person Town Hall meeting at 6 p.m. at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd.) to provide updates, hear resident concerns and share additional recovery resources.

Malibu City Hall was impacted with operations as a result of the Franklin Fire.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page about the Franklin Fire on Wednesday, December 11 at 12 a.m.

The Franklin Fire has burned 3,049 acres and remains at 0 percent containment. Preliminary reports indicate that seven structures were destroyed, and eight have been damaged.

Evacuations

Mandatory Evacuation Order:

-Areas east of Latigo Canyon, west of Topanga Beach Driveway, and south of Baller Motorway, including the Big Rock and Las Flores Communities.

Evacuation Warning:

-Areas east of Trancas, south of Hidden Highlands Road, and west of Crestline Drive. Residents in these areas should remain ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Shelters Open and Active

-Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), 2802 4th Street, Santa Monica (crated small animals accepted).

-Calabasas Community Center. (27040 Malibu Hills Rd.)

For Animals 

Small animals: Agoura Animal Shelter (29525 Agoura Rd.)

Large animals: Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave.)

Road Closures

Soft Closure: Las Virgenes and Lost Hills Road (residents only).

Hard Closures:

-Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Kanan Dume Road and Topanga Canyon.

-Topanga Canyon Road is open to residents only.

-Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway.

Over 1,500 firefighters and 13 federal, state, and local agencies are actively responding to this incident. Their efforts are critical to protecting our community, and we thank them for their tireless bravery and dedication.

The public should tune into local radio stations like 99.1 FM KBUU for updates and visit www.malibucity.org and lacounty.gov/emergency for emergency information. Use the Watch Duty App for real-time fire tracking.

Check the Genasys Evacuation Map for the latest evacuation zones: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14

The public is urged to follow evacuation orders and warnings, and prepare to act quickly if conditions change.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Tuesday, December 10, the Franklin Fire is leading to some evacuations in the city of Malibu. The Los Angeles County Fire Department posted on Twitter, “3RD ALARM BRUSH FIRE | FS88 | Malibu Canyon Rd & Station Boundary #Malibu | #LACoFD units are on-scene of a 100 acre fire. There is a mandatory evacuation order east of Malibu Canyon Rd and South of Piuma Rd as well as the Serra Retreat area.”

The blaze started near Pepperdine University and has spread 1,822.4 acres of land, according to CalFire. The city of Malibu posted on its X page, on December 10 that as of 3 a.m.  the Franklin Fire has spread south across PCH to Malibu Road near Webb Way, and across PCH into the Malibu Pier area.

Malibu Pier and other structures are impacted by the blaze. Structures are impacted on Malibu Knolls Road and Sweetwater Canyon. Parts of Malibu had power shutoff as firefighters battled flames.

The LAFD reported a brush fire is currently burning in Malibu and is wholly in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County Fire Department. The LAFD has three strike teams enroute (15 fire engines with 3 battalion chiefs) to provide immediate assistance.

The LASD reported that the Malibu/Lost Hills Area soft road closures are in place to limit access to Topanga Canyon Blvd. Only local traffic (residents) or designated vehicles may enter. This is to ensure safety and enable swift evacuations if needed.

Closure Points:

1️.Topanga Canyon Blvd / Mulholland Dr (closed southbound)

2️. Old Topanga Canyon Rd / Mulholland Hwy (closed southbound)

3️. Topanga Canyon Blvd / Pacific Coast Hwy (closed northbound)

Stay safe and follow all traffic controls.

As of 12 p.m. on December 12, the LA County reported that the Franklin Fire has grown to 2,600 acres, and continues to impact Malibu, Topanga Canyon, and surrounding communities. The LA County government office is actively monitoring the situation with updates from first responders and local leaders.

Evacuation orders have been issued South of Piuma Road, North of PCH, East of Los Virgenes Road and Malibu Road, and West of Carbon Beach Terrace.

Evacuation warnings include areas east of Las Virgenes between Mulholland Highway to the north and Piuma Road to the South; between Stunt Road to the north and Los Flores to the South; east of Carbon Beach Terrace; west of Old Malibu Road; north of Pacific Crest highway to the evacuation order boundary; and Topanga Zone 8 and 10.

By Trevor