A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, burned over 2,700 acres in Malibu, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds.

Starting late Monday near Pepperdine University, it destroyed homes, caused power outages, and forced thousands to evacuate.

Over 700 firefighters battled the blaze, which crossed the Pacific Coast Highway and threatened landmarks like Malibu Pier.

Evacuation orders affected 2,000 structures, with 18,000 people under warnings.

Residents described chaos as they fled, with winds spreading embers rapidly, the Los Angeles Times has reported.

The fire’s cause is under investigation, and FEMA assistance has been secured to aid firefighting efforts.

Written by B.C. Begley