The city of Malibu announced Friday that evacuation orders for areas affected by the Franklin Fire have been reduced to warnings and more residents are beginning to return to their homes as road access is restored.
Firefighters continue to extinguish the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which has burned more than 4,000 acres and is now 30% contained.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the evacuation order has been downgraded to a warning.
Pacific Coast Highway has fully reopened to public transportation from Topanga Canyon to Canaan Dune Road in Malibu. Pepperdine University and the Civic Center have also fully reopened, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
The Franklin Fire broke out Monday night and has since burned 4,037 acres, destroying 12 structures, including six homes, and damaging 11 structures, including 10 homes.
More than 3,700 people have now been allowed to return home after several days of evacuation. Meanwhile, another 1,600 people are still away from home.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped at several checkpoints along Pacific Coast Highway to check the identification of homeowners.
“I came back yesterday and my house is fine. I’m just exhausted and I’m full of PTSD right now because it reminds me of 2018,” said Malibu resident Cheryl Libin.
Local officials said just days ago they feared the fire would destroy the civic center and nearby homes.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said firefighters are well aware that Santa Ana winds could hit the area again.
The first priority is to make sure there are no embers that could start a new fire.
Fire activity remained minimal overnight with no significant growth, according to Cal Fire. Firefighters are continuing to extinguish the remaining hot spots.
The fire continues to smolder in steep and extremely dangerous terrain. Air suppression operations in these areas were successful in suppressing the fires.
The remaining evacuation orders and road closures can be found here.
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