Bryson Fire in Malibu forces evacuations amid Red Flag Warnings, power shutoffs

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - A brush fire burning out of control near Malibu has consumed 200 acres of steep terrain, triggering local evacuations and emergency facility relocations as ferocious Santa Ana winds and record high temperatures sweep across Southern California. 

Firefighters continue to battle the Bryson Fire Friday while regional utility operators execute targeted Public Safety Power Shutoffs to mitigate heightened wildfire risks.

What we know:

The Bryson Fire broke out Thursday around 5 p.m. near Campus Vernon Kilpatrick along Encinal Canyon Road, quickly expanding into inaccessible terrain under aggressive offshore winds. 

At last check, the fire was estimated at 147 acres and is 17% contained, according to the latest update from Cal Fire. 

Evacuation orders

• KAN-U017
• SYC-U016-A

Evacuation warnings 

• CRN-U019
• LBO-U018
• LEO-U015
• MAL-C113
• MAL-C114
• MCR-U021-A
• MLK-U020
• SYC-U016-B
• SYC-U016-C
• SYC-U016-D
• VST-U046
• WLV-C201

>> For the latest information on evacuations, visit genasys.com <<

Evacuation shelters 

• Agoura High School: 28545 W. Driver Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
• Agoura Animal Care Center (for animals): 29525 Agoura Blvd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301

School closures

• Closed today: Malibu High, Malibu Middle, Malibu Elementary, and Webster Elementary
• Under Evacuation warning: Malibu High, Malibu Middle, and Malibu Elementary
• Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is offering optional remote learning resources (with no negative impact for students who cannot access them), with schools expected to reopen on Monday, Oct. 19

>> For the latest information, visit smmusd.org. <<

Road closures

• Decker Road at Encinal Canyon Road
• Kanan Road at Mulholland Highway
• Mulholland Highway at Westlake Boulevard

Power shutoffs

In response to extreme fire weather conditions, Southern California Edison initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs across central and western Malibu, leaving tens of thousands of Los Angeles County customers without electrical service.

>> For the latest information on power outages, visit sce.com <<

What we don't know:

Cause under investigation

Fire officials have not yet identified the official cause of the Bryson Fire or confirmed any damaged structural property within the current evacuation zones.

It's unclear how long localized power outages will persist, as utility crews must visually inspect lines for damage before restoring electricity once high winds subside. 

Officials have not announced an estimated timeframe for full containment or when evacuated residents will be permitted to return to their homes.

Timeline:

Red Flag Warnings in effect as Santa Ana winds peak

Critical weather alerts from the National Weather Service remain in full effect, with a Red Flag Warning, High Wind Warnings, and Heat Advisories active across much of Los Angeles County through 8 p.m. Saturday. 

Powerful Santa Ana winds are forecasted to peak throughout Friday, bringing widespread gusting northeast winds of 20 to 40 mph with localized peaks reaching up to 70 to 90 mph in mountain corridors, while valley and coastal zones face gusts up to 60 mph, according to the NWS. 

Temperatures are set to hit their highest point Friday with coastal and valley highs climbing between 90 and 100 degrees, accompanied by critically low relative humidity drops between 8 and 20% and minimal overnight recovery.

Weather officials warn that although offshore winds will begin to weaken Saturday, elevated fire danger and unseasonably warm conditions will persist before a significant cooling trend and potential rain arrive next week.

What's next:

Officials will hold a press conference Friday at 8:30 a.m. in Westlake Village to discuss the latest on containment efforts.

Fire crews will maintain direct containment efforts throughout the day while regional authorities monitor peak wind gusts, high heat, and low humidity levels. 

The Getty Villa will remain closed through Friday to keep emergency access routes clear for first responders. Weather conditions are expected to begin cooling slightly over the weekend, with forecasters tracking a potential storm system that could bring rainfall to Southern California by mid-week.

What you can do:

Be prepared

Residents living in designated high fire-risk areas should review family evacuation routes, keep emergency supply kits ready, and ensure personal vehicles are fully fueled. 

Community members are strongly advised to avoid operating equipment that could generate outdoor sparks and to monitor emergency announcements using battery-operated radios. 

WildfiresMalibuLos Angeles CountyInstastories