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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.
MALIBU WILDFIRE SURROUNDS DICK VAN DYKE’S HOME; 98-YEAR-OLD STAR ‘SAFELY EVACUATED’
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)
EXPLOSIVE MALIBU FIRE FORCES THOUSANDS OF EVACUATIONS AMID ‘HIGHEST’ THREAT
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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LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS/CNN) – A former California State Parks superintendent is accused of secretly filming male employees in the nude while they changed in a locker room.
“It was like getting punched in the stomach,” said California State Parks employee Matthew Dawson.
Dawson is afraid that he was one of the Bolsa Chica lifeguards or other workers allegedly recorded in a men’s locker room in Orange County by his then-boss Kevin Pearsall.
Pearsall, who has retired, was charged by the district attorney last week with eavesdropping, secretly filming and sharing some of the nude images.
“When I was naked changing into uniform in the locker room, I remember Kevin directing me to the back area. I never thought anything of it; it just seemed eccentric and now I feel he was setting me up to undress on camera,” he said.
Attorney Gloria Allred said a lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Dawson and three other State Parks employees.
Senior Park Aide Manager Richard Corey said workers were encouraged to change in and out their uniforms in the locker room before and after their shifts.
“What happened with Kevin Pearsall is the ultimate betrayal of trust. He not only was in one of the highest positions of California State Parks, but he was a sworn, post-certified peace officer, a position of trust, and you know he, he swore not only to protect the public but also us, his employees, he failed us,” said Corey.
Pearsall is accused of hiding a USB stick that was also a tiny camera in the locker room for at least a year, recording both audio and video.
An attorney representing another potential victim says 2 million images were recorded.
Pearsall was expected to be in court in August.
Copyright 2026 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
IDAHO FALLS — The CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber resigned Friday amid allegations of misappropriation of funds from a local podcast.
According to a social media post posted Friday from the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, the board of directors accepted the resignation of Paul Baker as chief executive officer.
“We thank Paul for his years of service to the Chamber and wish him well in his future endeavors,” says the post.
The post says that Baker will continue assisting the chamber in a transitional capacity for the next few weeks “to facilitate an orderly leadership transition.”
We have reached out to Paul Baker for comment, and have not received a response. If we hear back, we will update this article.
The resignations come after weeks of scrutiny from a local podcast, IFAF, hosted by Mike Nelson and Karley Morgan. In multiple episodes, the podcasters read questions from an alleged whistleblower who claims that Baker may have misappropriated funds from the chamber, among other allegations.
RELATED | IFAF podcasters reflect on more than two years of rebellious recordings
EastIdahoNews.com has been watching this closely; some facts have been verified, others have not been or appear to be factually incorrect. We will continue investigating and update if we learn more.
“To date, the Board has not found any evidence that Chamber funds have been misappropriated. The Board remains committed to the Chamber’s mission of serving its members and supporting a strong business community,” says the post. “Chamber operations will continue uninterrupted as we move forward with a leadership transition and an independent audit.”
As of Friday, no criminal charges have been filed against Baker for any of the allegations.
The podcast has also linked Baker to Cristie Stone, the former President of the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club, who was recently charged with allegedly embezzling $219,000 from the club. Baker was previously the club’s executive director. Numerous social media posts also indicate that Baker and Stone have been in a romantic relationship.
Local authorities have not indicated Baker is involved in Stone’s embezzlement case.
RELATED | Former president of Portneuf Valley Soccer Club embezzled over $219K, police say
The board says it appreciates the continued support of its members, partners, and the community and will provide additional information “as appropriate.”
EastIdahoNews.com will update when we learn more.
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The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is reminding the public to check the harmful algal bloom map ahead of the holiday weekend.
HABs can discharge toxins that may be harmful to humans and animals.
If you suspect a HAB, stay out of the water, including your furry friends. Don’t allow dogs to drink from the water or lick their fur if you suspect they came in contact with affected water.
Officials say avoid swimming in areas where the water looks discolored and resembles spilled paint, pea soup or grass clippings.
A list of reported HABs in the past week was provided by the Montana DEQ:
- Lake Helena Causeway and Fishing Access Site, Lewis & Clark County (confirmed 6/25/2026)
- Canyon Ferry Reservoir at Duck Creek Campground, Broadwater County (confirmed 6/24/2026)
- Cooney Reservoir, Carbon County (confirmed 6/23/2026)
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality posted the following on Facebook:
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