Authorities on Friday were anticipating significant progress as fire crews continued to work to fully contain the Franklin fire in Malibu amid improving weather conditions.
“The weather is expected to continue to be favorable with higher humidity and lower temperatures,” Chief Chris Thompson said Friday. “We’re expecting to get some really good progress on containment.”
The blaze, pushed forward this week by strong Santa Ana winds, has scorched 4,000 acres in Malibu since it erupted on Dec. 9. It remained at 30% containment four days later. Despite stopping forward progress, there is quite a bit of smoldering in the interior, and Thompson warns that the blaze is certainly not out yet.
“Right now the brush is very dry, so we’re very concerned if it does get hotter, if the winds pick up, it could re-ignite,” Thompson said. “That’s what we’re looking at now, and we’re being overly cautious.”
Evacuation orders, which impacted around 5,000 people, have been lifted as of Friday morning, Dec. 13, but warning remain in place. Authorities urge the public to remain prepared.