Malibu wildfire rages on, destroys several structures | U.S. & World [Video]

(Reuters) -Firefighters made some progress in containing a wildfire in the beach community of Malibu, California, on Wednesday, but it continued to threaten several structures, force residents to flee and close schools in the area.

More than 1,500 firefighters were battling the Franklin Fire, which had scorched nearly 4,000 acres (1,620 hectares) and was 7% contained as of Wednesday morning, as it burned in the steep, rugged terrain northwest of Los Angeles.

The fire, which started on Monday night, has destroyed at least seven structures and damaged nine others, Chief Anthony Marrone of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said on Wednesday.

No deaths or injuries from the fire have been reported, and its cause remains unknown, officials said.

A red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service remained in effect on Wednesday as strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity were expected in the area. The winds were …