Travel Updates: Thousands Evacuate Malibu as Franklin Wildfire Rages On

Thousands of residents are evacuating Malibu on Tuesday as the Franklin Fire continues to rage, destroying homes, forcing road closures, and causing destruction along the Southern California coast.

According to Cal Fire, the Franklin Fire has burned more than 2,700 acres in and around Malibu as of Tuesday night and continues to spread. Evacuation orders have expanded throughout Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters Tuesday that at least 18,000 people at 8,100 homes and businesses were under evacuation orders or warnings as of Tuesday afternoon. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

For travelers, the fires are not impacting operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 17 miles from Malibu, or Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY), which is about 15 miles away. Both airports are outside the warning zone and, according to FlightAware, are not experiencing delays or cancellations outside of the ordinary.

However, some resorts in and around Malibu have been impacted.

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

The Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club, which is not in the evacuation area, remains open and is accepting residents displaced by the fires or those left without essential services.

Malibu Beach Inn

The Malibu Beach Inn, located on the Pacific Coast Highway, evacuated its guests and staff early Tuesday morning. All operations are currently closed, and the resort said it will only reopen when it is safe to do so.

“We are incredibly grateful for the heroic efforts of the firefighters working tirelessly to protect our community,” the hotel said in a statement on social media. “We’ll provide updates as soon as we can. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to welcome you back soon.”

Surfrider Hotel

The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu also evacuated on Tuesday, announcing it will “remain temporarily closed until officials lift the mandatory evacuation orders and confirm it is safe to reopen.”

“Our hearts are with all those impacted by the fire, and we are deeply grateful to all the brave first responders working tirelessly to safeguard our cherished coastline and keep our Malibu community safe,” the hotel said in a statement.