Cause of Malibu Franklin Fire under investigation; Residents still without power

  • Investigators are working to determine the cause of the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon, which has burned 4,031 acres and destroyed at least nine structures.
  • Containment has increased to 20 percent, and some evacuation orders have been lifted, though many residents remain without power.
  • Officials are asking for trust and patience as they work to manage the situation and allow residents to return home.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – A section of Malibu Canyon is taped off by investigators as they work to determine what started the Franklin Fire.

“We’re still actively out there working on that,” said Cal Fire Division Chief Dusty Martin. “It’s still under investigation.”

On Wednesday, FOX 11 was there as investigators placed evidence in bags. Yellow tape and flags were placed across a section of the area.

Clouds and misty rain Thursday helped crews gain the upper hand on the wildfire. Containment has now increased to 20 percent. Officials Thursday lifted evacuation orders for some Malibu residents. However, some residents will still not be able to return home.

“Effective immediately, some of the mandatory evacuation orders will be lifted in some of the area,” said LASD Captain Jennifer Seetoo. “We will downgrade the voluntary evacuation orders, allowing some citizens who evacuated back into their homes.”

The Franklin Fire has burned 4,031 acres across the Malibu area, destroying at least nine structures, including six homes. Four other homes have been reported as damaged.

For the residents in Malibu who didn’t evacuate, many remain without power.

“We’re camping and we’re playing cards,” said Rivers Redclay.

Many people are anxious for a return to normalcy and to get back home.

“I’m asking for trust,” said Capt. Seetoo. “I’m asking for patience. I promise you, I promise the community, we’re working as hard as we can on this.”

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