A rapidly spreading wildfire in Malibu, California, has led to the evacuation of thousands along the Pacific coastline. 

The New York Times reports that dubbed the Franklin fire, the blaze has already scorched over 2,200 acres since it erupted overnight, according to state fire officials. 

It leapt across the Pacific Coast Highway, directly threatening the historic Malibu pier and nearby areas.  

Residents in central and eastern Malibu, a city of over 10,000, were ordered to evacuate as the fire extended to the western outskirts of Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains. 

Flames surged dangerously close to Pepperdine University, prompting the institution to issue a shelter-in-place order for students and staff. 

The university has since lifted the order but temporarily suspended campus operations.  

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, with over 700 firefighters working tirelessly to contain the blaze. 

“We’d really like to button this fire up and get some containment by this afternoon,” Mr Marrone stated, emphasising the urgency of the situation.  

Sheriff Robert Luna of Los Angeles County reported that around 18,000 people within evacuation zones have been impacted, with over 2,000 structures in Malibu under direct threat. 

Authorities have warned that residents will not be allowed to return home until the fire risk is fully contained.  

The City of Malibu has closed all schools for the day while emergency services remain on high alert. 

Southern California Edison reported that it had cut power to over 46,000 customers statewide to reduce wildfire risks. 

The utility also revealed that power shut-offs were under consideration for more than 211,000 additional customers, particularly in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.