US: Emergency crews continue to respond to brush fire near Malibu, California, as of early Dec. 12 /update 2

Emergency crews continue working to contain a brush fire burning near Malibu in Los Angeles County, California, as of early Dec. 12. The Franklin Fire broke out late Dec. 9 near Malibu Canyon Road and has spread rapidly amid high winds in the region. As of early Dec. 12, the fire has grown to around 1,634 hectares (4,037 acres) and is seven percent contained. Nearly 2,000 firefighting personnel are on site tackling the blaze. The fire has spread southwards over the Pacific Coast Highway and is threatening homes in the area; as of early Dec. 12, authorities have confirmed at least nine structures have been destroyed and six others damaged in the fire. Winds are expected to die down in the region from Dec. 12; however, further fire growth is possible in the coming hours and days.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents south of Piuma Road, north of the Pacific Coast Highway, east of Puerco Canyon Road/Corral Canyon Park, and west of Los Flores Canyon Road, and between the Pacific Ocean coastline and Tuna Canyon Park to the west of Tuna Canyon Road, affecting more than 6,300 people. Evacuation warnings are in place for surrounding areas. An evacuation shelter has been established at Santa Monica Unified School District Facility, 2802 4th St., Santa Monica. Several roads are closed in the vicinity of the fire, including sections of the Pacific Coast Highway. Full details on the latest status of evacuation orders, road closures, and shelter information can be found here. Power has been restored to most areas having previously been shut off by officials across much of Malibu as a precaution. Schools across Malibu remain closed as of Dec. 12.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate more communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Residents' return will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall will likely contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.