Broad Fire in Malibu destroys beachfront homes

MALIBU, Calif. - Firefighters have gained control of a 50-acre fire that erupted in Malibu near Pepperdine University Wednesday amid dry conditions and gusty Santa Ana winds. 

The Broad Fire was reported around 9:30 a.m. near the area of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

In the latest update, containment remains at 15%

As a precaution, residents along Malibu Road between Webb Way and PCH were advised to shelter in place, but prepare for potential evacuations. 

SkyFOX over the scene showed the fire burning at least two homes. 

Southbound Malibu Canyon Road remains closed, in addition to all lanes of PCH from Corral Canyon to Webb Way. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Residents in Southern California are facing an extreme fire weather threat Wednesday due to dry conditions paired with strong Santa Ana winds. 

"There is increased confidence of a stronger, more widespread, and longer duration Santa Ana wind event which will likely bring widespread critical fire weather conditions to many wind prone areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties Wednesday into Thursday," according to the National Weather Service, which called the forecast a "Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning event in many areas."

Isolated wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph are possible in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills, with similar winds expected again in the mountains Thursday night. 

Wind-prone areas of LA and Ventura counties could experience damaging gusts of 50 to 70 mph likely for areas including the Malibu and Ventura coasts, LA basin, Lake Casitas, and Ojai, the NWS added. The Channel Islands and Catalina Island are also expected to see gusty winds associated with red flag conditions.

The NWS said residents should expect a high risk of power outages and public safety power shutoffs during this time. 

Southern California Edison was warning nearly 47,000 customers in Los Angeles County and more than 8,100 in Orange County that they were under consideration for cuts once the gusting winds return.

In an update on the massive Mountain Fire burning in Vetura County, a NWS spokesperson said winds should calm by nightfall Thursday going into the weekend. However, winds were expected to kick back up by next week.