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Firefighters struggle to contain fast-moving Malibu wildfire, prompting evacuation orders
A raging wildfire in Malibu, California, is 0% contained as of Tuesday evening after destroying at least seven structures and prompting mandatory evacuation orders for tens of thousands, according to officials in Los Angeles County.
Known as the Franklin Fire, the flames have torched more than 3,000 acres in about 24 hours and placed nearly 20,000 people under evacuation orders and warnings.
Seven zones within city limits from the Pacific coastline to the outskirts of the fire’s inception in Malibu Canyon are under an evacuation order, which is a lawful order to leave immediately due to life-threatening conditions.
“Over 1,000 first responders from multiple agencies remain on scene battling the fire on the ground and in the air. Please heed evacuation orders and warnings,” the Los Angeles County Fire Department wrote on social media.
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Firefighters in Malibu, California, work to contain the fast-moving Franklin Fire, which has burned more than 3,000 acres in about 24 hours. (LA County Fire Department photographer Doug Morrison)
At least seven structures have been destroyed in Malibu and at least eight have been damaged, according to the city on X. No injuries have been reported at this time.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating event,” the city said in its post.
The fire has prompted road closures along Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Kanan Dume Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The road is only open to residents evacuating the area and first responders.
There is also a hard closure at Los Virgenes Road at Mulholland Highway, CHP said.
In addition to fire personnel, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said over 150 deputies have been dispatched to assist with the road closures, evacuations and security patrols.
There are hard closures in effect for several major roadways in Malibu as firefighters work to contain the Franklin Fire. (LA County Fire Department photographer Doug Morrison)
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Firefighters were alerted to the wildfire in Malibu Canyon near South Malibu Canyon Road and Francisco Ranch Road at around 11 p.m. Monday.
FOX Weather reported that the fire became dangerous quickly due to powerful Santa Ana winds, which prompted a Red Flag Warning that remains in effect into Wednesday afternoon.
“The entire fire area remains under threat as long as the current red flag conditions persist,” LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. “Strong winds and low humidity continue to challenge firefighters on the line and in the air as they struggle to contain this fire.”
At least seven structures have been destroyed in Malibu and at least eight have been damaged as of Tuesday evening, according to the city on X. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The fire also caused Pepperdine University to issue a shelter-in-place order into Wednesday morning, which is when school officials will reevaluate conditions in the community and discuss when it can be lifted.
“Fire activity around Pepperdine’s Malibu campus has greatly diminished as the Franklin Fire has burned through most of the fuel immediately surrounding campus, but some flames are still visible in small pockets of campus.
“Firefighters continue to respond to and put out lingering hot spots and protect structures. Early analysis indicates there has been little to no damage to structures around campus, and no injuries have been reported,” Pepperdine said on X late Tuesday night.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a Fire Management Assistance Grant has been secured through FEMA to “help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire burning in Malibu.”
The grant will help local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire apply for 75% reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.
“Fire officials and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire,” Newsom said. “California is grateful for this federal support, which bolsters these efforts.”
FOX Weather contributed to this report.
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FBI raid involving LA schools superintendent possibly tied to failed $6M AI deal, potential conflict
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The federal investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, whose home and school office were raided Wednesday, may be tied to a failed multimillion-dollar AI school contract involving a potential conflict of interest.
Alberto Carvalho previously awarded a $6 million contract, paying $3 million up front, to education technology company AllHere.
A former salesperson employed by the firm also had her Miami property raided the same day as Carvalho, according to public records cited by the Los Angeles Times. The woman, Debra Kerr, reportedly had close ties to Carvalho during his tenure leading Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Spokesperson Jim Marshall confirmed to local media Miami Herald that “we searched a residence in Southwest Ranches today as part of this matter and have since cleared the scene.”
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho speaks during an event at the LAUSD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles on October 30, 2025. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
In 2023, Carvalho secured a contract with AllHere to develop an AI chatbot called “Ed,” designed to help address student issues such as absenteeism.
It ultimately collapsed in 2024 after its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffi, was accused of embezzling funds amid data privacy risks and whistleblower concerns. She was later charged with securities fraud, wire fraud and identity theft.
Kerr further claimed in AllHere’s bankruptcy court filings that the company owed her commissions for helping secure its deal with LAUSD, according to education-focused outlet The 74.
While federal officials confirmed that search warrants were conducted Wednesday, they declined to reveal the nature of the investigation, noting that the warrants remain under seal.
Federal officials appear to carry cardboard outside a home in California. (KTTV)
However, sources told the LA Times that the investigation fell under the broad category of financial issues, and that the raid focused on Carvalho rather than the California school district.
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LAUSD released a statement saying the district is fully cooperating with federal officials.
“The LAUSD Board of Education understands that today’s news has raised questions across our school communities,” it said.
“The Board’s priority remains ensuring that our students, families, and employees experience a safe and welcoming learning environment. Teaching and learning continue across our schools. Los Angeles Unified continues to stay focused on our responsibility to serve students and our families.”
The superintendent has led the nation’s second-largest school district since 2022, overseeing the education of roughly 400,000 students. He was also unanimously reappointed to the position in September 2025.
Before moving to California, he spent 14 years leading Miami‑Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest school district.
The home of Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is located in San Pedro, California. (KTTV)
Wednesday’s raids mark the latest controversy to engulf Carvalho.
In 2020, he helped secure a $1.57 million donation from a company that had a pending contract with the district, the Miami Herald reported.
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FBI agents appear to conduct a search warrant at a San Pedro home connected to Alberto Carvalho. (KTTV)
The funds reportedly went to an education nonprofit he founded, and the company’s online learning program, which was ultimately plagued with problems, was quickly scrapped.
In June 2021, the school’s inspector general determined that the donation, intended to benefit teachers, did not violate any policies but created the “appearance of impropriety,” the outlet said. The foundation was subsequently urged to return the funds, which reportedly had been distributed to teachers as $100 gift certificates.
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