Southern California residents experienced temperatures up to the 80s and Santa Ana wind gusts from 45-80 mph in December, increasing the risk of wildfires and driving the Franklin Fire in Malibu. Officials declared the fire 100% contained and Red Flag Warnings in the area expired on Dec. 19.
Red Flag Warnings were issued in the Los Angeles area on Dec. 9 as high-speed winds and low humidity from the Santa Ana winds led to fire hazard conditions. Amid the warnings, the Franklin Fire in Malibu began on Dec. 9, spreading to over 4,000 acres and destroying 20 structures. The fire was declared 100% contained on Dec. 18.
Santa Ana winds, usually occurring annually from the fall to spring, are dry and warm winds that can worsen weather conditions and increase the risk and spread of wildfires. The La Niña weather phenomenon, which scientists predicted to occur this winter, has also led to warmer temperatures and less humidity in Southern California. These factors increase the risk of wildfires locally.
“Fire officials and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement on Dec. 10. “I urge all residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.”
Pepperdine University students and faculty were ordered to shelter in place at their campus center and library in the early hours of Dec. 10 after the fire came near the campus. The order was lifted the morning of Dec. 11.
“We are profoundly grateful to the heroic firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly throughout the night to protect the lives and property at Pepperdine and in Malibu,” Pepperdine University President Jim Gash said in a statement on Dec. 10. “We also extend our deepest appreciation to our students, faculty, and staff for their cooperation and camaraderie during this unexpected challenge.”
Southern California Edison (SCE) shut off power for thousands of residents in parts of the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties following the fire’s initial eruption. Red Flag Warnings were reinstated from Dec. 17-18 in the same areas, and parts of Topanga Canyon Boulevard were closed as firefighters worked to contain the Franklin Fire. SCE announced a potential shut off to Topanga’s energy supply due to worsening wind conditions.
SCE utilizes Public Safety Power Shut Offs (PSPS) during threatening weather conditions and wildfire warnings to ensure that electric systems and structures are not ignited.
“We base PSPS decisions on data gathered from fire scientists and meteorologists forecasting dangerous wildfire conditions, and on real-time information from our crews in the field,” the SCE website states. “We understand that a PSPS event can create hardships for affected customers, and the decision to shut off power is never taken lightly.”
Santa Ana winds previously sparked Red Flag Warnings in the Ventura County area in early November. Gusts of up to 80 mph fueled the spread of the Mountain Fire, which began on Nov. 6 and rapidly burned through over 20,000 acres before containment.
Southern California residents can monitor weather conditions through the National Weather Service.
Grace Hefner is a News Intern for the fall 2024 quarter. She can be reached at ghefner@uci.edu.