The Franklin Fires

On Monday, December 9, 2024, a dangerous fire weather warning was issued across Southern California, considering that the strong Santa Ana winds were dry for an already parched desert landscape. 

Typically occurring annually from the fall to spring in Southern California, the Santa Ana winds are dry and warm, worsening the risk for fast-spreading wildfires. La Niña, a recurring weather phenomenon predicted to occur this winter, also led to elevated temperatures and drier conditions. These winds were sustained at a speed of 45 mph, with gusts at 65 mph. Though the Santa Ana winds were not at record speeds, they created the ideal circumstances for a fast-spreading wildfire. 

The Franklin Fire broke out in an area most known for its fast-spreading wildfires. They originated in the brush of the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, quickly moving towards the coasts of Malibu. Though the cause of the Franklin Fires remains unknown, the Santa Ana Winds, in combination with elevated temperatures and drier conditions, encouraged its rapid spread to the coasts. 

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued in the areas surrounding Malibu as the fire  continued to destroy larger structures. Soon enough, the smoke and ash began to worsen the air quality in nearby communities to unhealthy levels for many. Its threat to surrounding structures moved many to evacuate.

Pepperdine University was within the evacuation order zone. Though they could not all evacuate in the midst of the session, students and faculty were ordered to shelter in place until December 11th, so that the fire could be further contained. 

Two weeks later, the Franklin Fires are no longer spreading. After burning more than 4,000 acres and destroying 20 structures, conditions eased. As of December 18th, the fire was declared 100 percent contained. Its proximity to the ocean, as well as the quelling of the Santa Ana winds, contributed in part to its containment. 

The coordinated attacks on the firefighters’ part allowed for the swift containment of the Franklin Fires and limited damage or losses in the area impacted. Any property damage was moderate and reported injuries were not major. In contrast to other devastating fires within the region, the outcome is relatively positive. 

The impacts of the fire are being discussed and addressed within communal settings, so any resulting damage will be resolved in the future. 

Brian van der Brug. Los Angeles Times. Dec. 10 2024 

Sources:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-12-10/how-the-franklin-fire-in-malibu-was-contai ned-better 

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/10/weather/malibu-franklin-fire-tracker.html https://newuniversity.org/2024/12/24/santa-ana-winds-causes-franklin-fire-and-local-fire-risk/ https://laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/red-flag-warnings-to-be-lifted-today-but-anothe r-santa-ana-wind-event-could-return-next-week