Crews enter 5th day battling Franklin Fire in Malibu: See map of damage, destruction

Firefighters in California entered their fifth day battling a wildfire in Los Angles County where thousands of acres in Malibu remained ablaze Friday morning as the fire continued to smolder in "very steep and dangerous terrain."

"Fire activity overnight remained minimal, and no significant fire growth occurred," The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) wrote in its latest incident.

Crews are working to contain the Franklin Fire first discovered late Monday night. It quickly began burning through thousands of acres of land across Malibu in a matter of days, impacting dozens of structures and homes, including that of Hollywood celebrities Dick Van Dyke and Mark Hamill. The fire also charred land near Pepperdine University on Monday night and Tuesday, causing a shelter in place order for students that was lifted Wednesday.

The once fast-moving fire has scorched more than 4,000 acres and was 30% contained by Friday morning, according to Cal Fire. The fire threatened more than 4,300 structures, destroying 14 and damaging 13 other structures, the state agency reported.

The natural disaster, fueled by the Santa Ana winds, prompted officials to issue mandatory evacuations, air quality alerts, and close roads as they battle the blaze. Motorists are being asked to use caution driving in affected areas to fire personnel and equipment still working in the area.

So far, no fatalities have been reported.

The official cause of the fire remained under investigation Friday, according to the state agency.

Nearly 2,000 fire personnel have been assigned to the blaze, including multiple air tankers flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow, Cal Fire reported this week.

Dick Van Dyke rescued: Star credits neighbors with saving his life and home during Malibu fire

Incoming light rain expected in Franklin Fire region

The fire was discovered just before 11 p.m. PT Monday. The blaze spread overnight, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds up to 50 mph and low humidity.

As the winds dropped off Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles ended red flag warnings it had in place before elevated to brief critical conditions lingered into Thursday for breezy areas including southwest Santa Barbara County and the San Gabriel Mountains

A Pacific front was expected to bring light rain to the region on Saturday, according to the NWS.

Franklin Fire map

Residents urged to stay indoors, keep windows closed due to air quality

Due to poor air quality, officials are urging people to stay indoors and keep windows closed, use an air purifier if possible, avoid any strenuous activity outside, and turn off any house fans that bring in outdoor air. Anyone who must go outside should wear a N95 mask.

Particles from smoke can be breathed into the lungs and cause heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Anyone can be affected, but people with certain health conditions, including the elderly, children, those who are pregnant, and people who work outdoors, are most vulnerable.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, Julia Gomez, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Terry Collins, and Jeanine Santucci

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Franklin Fire: See map as firefighters enter 5th day battling blaze