Roads in Malibu close as Franklin Fire burns thousands of acres near Pepperdine University

Several roads in the Malibu area near Pepperdine University remain closed Wednesday, following the Franklin Fire which has threatened thousands of structures. 

Local officials issued road closures in areas where the flames posed danger. Many of the roads surrounding the fire will only be accessible by emergency officials and those evacuating. 

List of hard road closures (only open to emergency vehicles):

• Pacific Coast Highway: Between Tuna Canyon and Kanan Dume 
• Malibu Canyon and La Virigenes: Between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Highway
• Topanga Canyon Boulevard: Between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Highway

List of soft closures (only open to residents or those evacuating the area): 

• Pacific Coast Highway: Between Carbon Canyon and Corral Canyon Road 
• Old Topanga Canyon Road: At Mulholland Highway to Topanga Canyon Boulevard

There is no estimated time for when many of the roads will reopen. Traffic signals are out in areas experiencing power outages. 

"Stay away from the Malibu area, if you can, at all costs," Deputy Tracy Koerner said. "Avoid coming into Malibu. A lot of people commute through Malibu from Ventura and Santa Monica, those people need to stay on the 101 Freeway today."

The LA County Fire Department and LA County Sheriff's Department began issuing evacuation orders and warnings shortly after the fire amplified Monday night.

Fire crews will continue to use air and ground resources to battle the fire and hope to have some containment by the end of the day.