Updated Dec 11, 2024 - Energy & Climate

In photos: Malibu fire forces thousands to evacuate after exploding in size

Rebecca Falconer,
Andrew Freedman

The Franklin Fire burns next to powerlines at he Pacific Coast Highway in the morning on December 11, 2024 near Malibu, California. The wildfire has scorched 3890 acres near Pepperdine University prompting evacuations along the coast amid high winds with some homes destroyed. — The Franklin Fire burns next to power lines at the Pacific Coast Highway in the morning of Dec. 11 near Malibu, California. Parts of the road were shut down due to the wildfire. Photo: Apu Gomes/Getty Images

A wildfire threatening Malibu homes has forced thousands to evacuate, and forecasters warn "very dry air and elevated fire weather conditions would persist" into Wednesday night, even after red flag warnings ended earlier in the day.

The big picture: Santa Ana winds and very low humidity have driven the dire conditions, as hundreds of firefighters tackle the fast-moving Franklin Fire, which was burning out of control across an estimated 4,000-plus acres in Malibu Wednesday.

Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters work to put out hotspots at a home destroyed in the Franklin Fire on December 11, 2024 in Malibu, California. — Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters work to put out hotspots at a home destroyed in the Franklin Fire on Dec. 11 in Malibu, California. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Firefighters work as the Franklin Fire burns near a building on Dec. 10, 2024 in Malibu, California, after the wind-driven fire ignited that morning and quickly spread. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

A helicopter scooping water from a pond at Alumni Park during the Franklin Fire, near Pepperdine University. — A helicopter scooping water from a pond at Alumni Park during the Franklin Fire, near Pepperdine University, which issued a shelter in place notice for some areas amid a power outage. Satellite image: ©2024 Maxar Technologies

A firefighter pulls a water hose as the Franklin Fire burns palm trees near a building on December 10, 2024 on Malibu, California. — "Over 1,000 first responders from multiple agencies remain on scene battling the fire on the ground and in the air," the Los Angeles County Fire Department said on Facebook on the evening of Dec. 10. "Please heed evacuation orders and warnings." Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

A stable is destroyed as the Franklin Fire grows in Malibu, California, on December 10, 2024. — A stable is destroyed as the Franklin Fire grows on Dec. 10. At least seven structures have been destroyed in the blaze, Los Angeles County officials said. Photo: David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images

Fire personnel spray water as the Franklin Fire grows in Malibu, California, on December 10, 2024. A wind-fanned wildfire quickly spread early on Tuesday in Malibu, threatening homes and businesses in the coastal California community where many Hollywood elites reside. — Firefighters spray water during the Franklin Fire in Malibu on Dec. 10. Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke confirmed on Facebook that he and his wife, Arlene, were among the Malibu residents to evacuate. Photo: David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images

A satellite image showing smoke rising over Malibu homes. — Smoke rises over buildings in Malibu, as the fire threatens homes and businesses in the coastal California community where many Hollywood stars have homes. Malibu Schools closed on Dec. 10 until further notice. Satellite image: ©2024 Maxar Technologies

A helicopter drops water as a mountainside burns while the Franklin Fire grows in Malibu, California, on December 10, 2024. — A helicopter drops water as a mountainside burns during the Franklin Fire on Dec. 10. Climate change is a key factor leading to an increase in days with extreme fire weather conditions in the Southwest. Photo: David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images

Go deeper: How wildfire smoke impacts your health

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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In photos: Malibu fire forces thousands to evacuate after exploding in size

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