Firefighters battling the Franklin Fire in Malibu prepared for the return of Santa Ana winds Tuesday, with containment of the 4,037-acre wildfire increasing from 63% to 78%.
Firefighters have made steady progress on the destructive wildfire that erupted Dec. 9, thanks to cool weather, higher humidity and the absence of strong winds that initially fueled the blaze. But crews were bracing for a forecast return of Santa Ana winds on Tuesday and Wednesday. Forecasters noted that the winds could affect the Franklin Fire burn area, with gusts of up to 60 mph possible in some locations.
On Tuesday, firefighters concentrated on strengthening control lines in steep, rugged terrain, mop-up and patrol around structures and stabilizing fire lines to prevent erosion, according to Cal Fire.
A Local Assistance Center was opened at Malibu City Hall Tuesday, providing residents with information and available resources for fire recovery.
Utility officials are monitoring circuits in the Malibu area for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Southern California Edison issued a PSPS monitoring notice for circuits including Cuthbert, Maguire, Merlin and Serra, due to high winds expected Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted. At the height of the fire, roughly 20,000 people were under either evacuation orders or warnings.
Teams have completed the damage inspections, and reported 20 structures destroyed and 28 structures damaged, according to Cal Fire.
The blaze began shortly before 11 p.m. Dec. 9 in a Malibu Canyon area where a high volume of dry brush contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. It erupted in the midst of a rare "particularly dangerous situation red flag warning" issued by the National Weather Service in response to strong wind gusts and dramatically dry conditions. The cause was still under investigation.
Officials said residents affected by the fire can receive assistance by calling 800-675-5799.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger signed a local declaration of emergency in response to the fire early last week. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with the firefight.
More information about the Franklin Fire is posted at malibucity.org/franklinfire.