Malibu’s Bryson Fire Burns 146 Acres, Prompts Evacuation Warnings

A new wildfire erupted in Malibu on Thursday evening, prompting evacuation warnings as dangerous fire weather conditions gripped Southern California.

The Bryson Fire is burning approximately eight miles from Pepperdine University. The school posted on social media Thursday that the fire was not threatening its Malibu campus and that winds were blowing in the opposite direction.

Officials announced that no structures had been lost and no injuries had been reported.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, the Bryson Fire had burned 146 acres and was 17% contained, according to the city of Malibu.

Two evacuation zones have been activated in western Malibu’s Encinal Canyon area near Trancas Canyon, while 12 other zones are under a Level 2 evacuation warning, according to Watch Duty.

“Be prepared to evacuate, and if asked to do so, please adhere to instructions from law enforcement,” the city of Malibu advised on its website. “If you need extra time or assistance, including to evacuate pets or livestock, consider leaving early. If you feel unsafe, leave without waiting for an alert.”

The fire follows red flag warnings that took effect across Los Angeles at 6 a.m., as forecasters warned that Southern California’s famed Santa Ana winds could reach 70 mph. The National Weather Service warned that dangerous fire conditions were expected to continue through 8 p.m. Saturday.

Forecasters had warned that strong winds, low humidity and temperatures reaching the 90s would create conditions in which new wildfires could spread rapidly.

Mayor Karen Bass met with the Los Angeles Fire Department in Pacific Palisades following the red flag warning. Her office announced that the LAFD had pre-deployed resources across the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Mountains and other fire-prone areas.

Los Angeles County has reported several road closures due to the fire, including at Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road; Kanan Road and Mulholland Highway; and Mulholland Highway and Westlake Boulevard. Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Highway and Pacific Coast Highway is restricted to residents during the red flag warning.

Pacific Coast Highway remains open.

The Malibu Boys & Girls Club has opened its Disaster Relief Center for students and families seeking wellness support or disaster-related services. The center, located at the Malibu Village shopping center, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at Agoura High School, located at 8545 West Driver Avenue, for members of the public seeking assistance.

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