Santa Ana Winds Spread Franklin Fire in Malibu, Thousands Lose Power
Santa Ana winds are spreading the Franklin fire in Malibu, California, where 2,667 acres were scorched by just before noon on Tuesday, December 10. The fire, reported Monday around 11 p.m., has damaged homes and prompted evacuations.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red flag warning for the early part of the week on Sunday, warning of strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. Meteorologist James Brotherton said, "We have a northeast wind coming off the Santa Monica Mountains with gusts up to 40 miles per hour. That’s coming right off the mountains down into Malibu." The winds are expected to ease on Tuesday afternoon, but the warning will remain in place until Wednesday afternoon. Conditions will continue to be dry, particularly in Malibu, where humidity percentages are in the single digits.
Power Outages
Southern California Edison (SCE) has shut off power to tens of thousands of customers around Southern California to mitigate hazards. In Los Angeles County, 11,555 customers were affected, and an additional 38,051 customers could be impacted. In Riverside County, 9,003 customers had their power shut off, and an additional 63,301 customers were being considered.
Widespread Impact
The fire and power outages are having a significant impact across the region. Gusts upwards of 50 mph and extremely low humidity are posing a significant risk to the greater Los Angeles area, as well as most of the Southern California region. The eastern San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley could see peak winds of 20 to 30 mph and up to 55mph gusts.
Conclusion
The situation is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to stay prepared for power outages and possible evacuations. Residents are advised to stay up to date on instructions from emergency officials.
FAQs
Q: What is causing the fire?
A: The fire is spreading due to strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions.
Q: How many acres have been burned?
A: As of Tuesday, December 10, 2,667 acres have been scorched by the fire.
Q: How many homes have been damaged?
A: The number of homes damaged is unknown, but the fire has caused significant damage and prompted evacuations.
Q: How many people are affected by the power outages?
A: Thousands of customers have had their power shut off, with an additional tens of thousands potentially impacted.
Q: What should I do if I lose power?
A: Always assume a downed wire is energized, stay at least 100 feet away from it, and call 911.
