Photos: Franklin fire explodes in Malibu

The Franklin fire in Malibu Canyon continues to grow, crossing Pacific Coast Highway and spreading to more than 1,800 acres Tuesday, burning in the hillsides near Pepperdine University.

The fire was reported a little before 11 p.m. Monday. A high volume of dry brush in the area and strong Santa Ana winds led to the potential for the blaze to continue to spread rapidly.

The fire has destroyed and damaged homes and structures, but it is unknown the extent of the damage or the number of homes that have burned.

(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire next to a business along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

The Franklin Fire burns in the hills of Malibu.

Fire fighters duck for cover as an LA City County helicopter drops water on the Frankiln fire in Malibu.

(Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Fire fighters duck for cover as an LA City County helicopter drops water on the Frankiln fire in Malibu.

(Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Camp crewmembers hike up a steep hillside as the battle the Frankiln fire in Malibu.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

A Ventura County fire helicopter picks up water from a pond at Pepperdine University while fighting the Franklin fire.

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

A firefighter sprays water on a home as it burns in the Franklin fire in Malibu.

(Ethan Swope / Associated Press)

A woman evacuates a horse as the Franklin fire burns in Malibu.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Smoke from the Franklin fire creates a orange glow at sunrise in Malibu.

(Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

A firefighting plane drops retardant on the Franklin fire over Malibu Canyon.

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

The Franklin fire burns in Malibu.

(Ethan Swope / Associated Press)

Students evacuate from Pepperdine University as the Franklin fire burns in Malibu.

(Ethan Swope / Associated Press)

Firefighters battle the Franklin fire in Malibu.