A fast-moving wildfire near Malibu has prompted evacuations and widespread power cuts as firefighters battle steep, inaccessible terrain in extreme Santa Ana wind conditions.
The Bryson Fire began at about 5pm on Thursday, October 15, near Encinal Canyon Road and Mulholland Highway. By Friday morning, it had spread across roughly 147 acres and was 17% contained, after earlier estimates put the fire at about 200 acres.
Fire crews faced gusting winds, high temperatures and very low humidity as they worked to prevent the flames from spreading through the Santa Monica Mountains. Aircraft and water-dropping helicopters were also deployed before nightfall.
Evacuations and closures
A mandatory evacuation order was issued for part of the area around Encinal Canyon, with evacuation warnings covering communities across Malibu, Calabasas and nearby parts of Los Angeles County.
An emergency shelter was opened at Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, while an animal shelter was made available at the Agoura Animal Care Centre. Officials said residents in threatened areas should be prepared to leave immediately if orders were expanded.
Malibu High School, Malibu Middle School, Malibu Elementary School and Webster Elementary School were closed on Friday. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District said schools were expected to reopen on Monday, October 19, with optional remote learning available in the meantime.
Several roads were also closed, including Decker Road at Encinal Canyon Road, Kanan Road at Mulholland Highway and Mulholland Highway at Westlake Boulevard.
Power shutoffs as fire danger rises
Southern California Edison imposed Public Safety Power Shutoffs across central and western Malibu, leaving tens of thousands of customers without electricity as a precaution against further fire starts.
The utility warned that power could not be restored until weather conditions improved and crews had inspected lines and equipment for damage. The City of Malibu said restoration could take eight hours or more after the winds subsided.
The cause of the Bryson Fire remained under investigation. Authorities had not reported any confirmed structural damage within the evacuation areas, and no timetable had been given for full containment or the return of residents.
A Red Flag Warning, High Wind Warnings and heat alerts were in force across much of Los Angeles County. Forecasters expected northeast winds of 20 to 40mph, with gusts of up to 70 to 90mph in mountain corridors and up to 60mph in coastal and valley areas.
Temperatures in coastal and valley communities were expected to reach between 90F and 100F, with relative humidity falling as low as 8%. Officials warned residents in high-risk areas to check evacuation routes, keep emergency supplies ready, avoid activities that could create sparks and monitor local alerts.
