All Schools Shuttered as Safety Concerns Escalate.
This is the letter that has been circulated to parents and teachers by the Santa Monica-Malibu School District this morning as of 5:27 a.m. by Gail Pinsker, Community & Public Relations Officer, SMMUSD:
** Email on behalf of Isaac Burgess, Executive Director Malibu Pathways **
All Malibu School closed today Due to Fire Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
Dear Malibu Staff and Families,
Due to the ongoing fire and safety concerns, all Malibu schools are closed today, December 10, until further notice. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay clear of the area, as the fire continues to pose a significant threat.
A major fire, known as the Franklin Fire, ignited late last night, December 11, around 10:45 p.m. in Malibu. The fire has spread rapidly, prompting emergency evacuation orders throughout eastern Malibu. As of Monday night, December 9, Southern California Edison (SCE) initiated a power shutoff for homes in the affected area.
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is currently closed to traffic due to fire activity, with multiple roadblocks in place to ensure the safety of first responders and residents. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the Malibu area.
Firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze, but extreme conditions and high winds are complicating efforts. Local authorities are coordinating evacuations and providing shelter to displaced residents.
The safety and health of our students and staff are our top priorities. We never take the decision to close schools lightly as we value the continuity of learning. We understand the impact it has on our students and families. It is disruptive and presents a challenge for everyone.
At this time, many Webster families are under evacuation orders, and several families in other Malibu neighborhoods are under evacuation watch due to the Franklin Fire. Our district’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is closely monitoring the situation, and we are prepared to respond as conditions evolve.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your patience and adaptability as we navigate through various weather conditions in Malibu throughout the year. Please take extra care in your travels around our community and beyond.
You may follow the City of Malibu alerts at www.malibucity.org and Malibu Radio KBUU at www.RadioMalibu.net for updated information regarding Malibu roads, weather, surf and conditions.
Sincerely,
Superintendent, Dr. Antonio Shelton
Isaac Burgess, Executive Director Malibu Pathways
