As the Franklin Fire continues to blaze through Malibu, the situation remains critical. According to NBC Los Angeles, the wildfire has now engulfed nearly 4,000 acres and is only about 7% contained. The fire, which ignited on Monday night, has led to thousands of residents evacuating their homes, and the closure of schools and some roads in the vicinity.

Firefighters, numbering around 1,500, are aggressively trying to subdue the wind-driven fire under challenging conditions. As per a statement obtained by KTLA, the flames persisted amid strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity. In addition to airborne resources, ground crews have been essential, as Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone emphasizes, “We always have to follow up with personnel on the ground to actually cut a physical line around the fire.”

Evacuation orders affected numerous communities, including the residents of the Malibu Beach RV park. CBS Los Angeles reports that Pepperdine University students were under a shelter-in-place directive as the fire shifted directions overnight. Damage assessment teams are preparing to inspect the area, with preliminary reports indicating that at least seven structures have been destroyed and another eight have been damaged.

Officials are set to provide further updates at a news conference. Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to ensure that the state has the needed resources to combat the Franklin Fire as arson investigators look into the cause of the blaze. This update comes at a time when Red Flag warnings stay in effect until Wednesday evening, and the fire continues to pose a significant threat to the region.