Stubborn wildfire destroys several structures in Malibu, California

A wildfire fanned by strong winds continued burning on Wednesday (December 11) northwest of Los Angeles forced some residents in Malibu to evacuate as it threatened homes, knocked out power and closed roads in the beach community. The brush fire blaze, called the Franklin Fire, spread early Wednesday along the steep mountainous terrain, spreading south over the Pacific Coast Highway in the picturesque coastal city of about 10,000 people. The fires raged unchecked after destroying several structures and forcing residents to flee and schools to close in the area. More than 1,500 firefighters were battling the Franklin Fire, which was 3,900 acres (1,578 hectares) and 0% contained, as it burned in the steep, rugged terrain northwest of Los Angeles. The fire, which started on Monday night, has destroyed at least seven structures and damaged eight others, the city of Malibu said in a statement online on Tuesday evening. The fire's cause remains unknown, fire officials have said. (Production: Kia Johnson)