Malibu Bryson Fire containment grows as firefighters face Santa Ana winds
LAFD Chief Marrone talks Bryson Fire
LAFD Chief Anthony Marrone speaks with Good Day LA's Gigi Graciette about the latest containment efforts on the Bryson Fire affecting thousands in Malibu.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Firefighters battling the Bryson Fire in Malibu reached 74% containment on Saturday while holding the blaze to 147 acres, providing a critical buffer against the ongoing Santa Ana winds sweeping through Southern California.
What we know:
The Bryson Fire erupted shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday near Campus Vernon Kilpatrick along Encinal Canyon Road, quickly spreading across open terrain under intense offshore winds.
Incident commanders initially called a second alarm, deploying ground crews, water-dropping helicopters, and fixed-wing air tankers to secure perimeter lines in difficult terrain.
Early aerial assessments briefly estimated the fire near 200 acres before precise mapping confirmed the burn area at 146 acres.
Officials give latest update on Bryson Fire
Evacuation warnings were issued for a large area stretching from near Malibu Road and Pacific Coast Highway to Leo Carrillo State Beach. An evacuation order was subsequently issued in the more immediate area, including Zuma and Trancas canyons.
As of Friday night, Cal Fire and the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported 721 personnel assigned to the response, supported by 65 fire engines and aerial units, including specialized CL-415 Super Scoopers leased from Quebec.
While 7,221 structures remain threatened, no homes or commercial properties have been damaged or destroyed.
One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition as a precaution, according to officials.
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
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (for large animals): 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills
School closures
Malibu High, Malibu Middle, Malibu Elementary, and Webster Elementary were closed Friday, but the school district said it anticipates reopening schools on Monday, Oct. 19.
>> For the latest information, visit smmusd.org. <<
Road closures
- Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road
- Kanan Road and Mulholland Highway
- Mulholland Highway and Westlake Boulevard
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard is restricted to local residents between Mulholland Highway and PCH, though PCH stays open in both directions
The Getty Villa and state parks in the Santa Monica Mountains are also closed to the public.
Power shutoffs
To mitigate fire risk during peak winds, Southern California Edison implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs across central and western Malibu.
City officials deployed mobile cell towers to maintain communications, installed traffic signal generators along Pacific Coast Highway with Caltrans, and established a Community Resource Center at Bluffs Park for charging and basic supplies.
>> For the latest information on power outages, visit sce.com <<
Power shutoffs for thousands in Malibu, Calabasas
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.
What we don't know:
Cause under investigation
Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the Bryson Fire.
Authorities have not announced a target date for 100% containment or established when mandatory evacuation orders will be lifted.
Because Southern California Edison line crews must physically inspect every mile of electrical equipment for wind damage before re-energizing circuits, power restoration timelines are unknown.
Timeline:
Red Flag Warnings in effect as Santa Ana winds peak
Red Flag Warnings, High Wind Warnings, and Heat Advisories issued by the National Weather Service remain active through 8 p.m. Saturday, with forecasters tracking a separate storm system that could bring widespread rain to Southern California starting Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.
Weather Forecast for Saturday, Oct. 17
The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
What they're saying:
During a Friday morning news conference, officials provided crucial updates on the response effort and community safety.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsay Horvath commended the response effort, stating: "I especially want to thank our brave firefighters who fought through the night who held the line to make sure that despite these challenging winds, no lives or structures were put at harm's way... It is still red flag alert, so you need to be alert, be vigilant, and be prepared."
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone detailed the operational status and firefighter safety.
"Great progress was made overnight by firefighters and the current containment is at 17%. There has been no reported structure loss or damage and only minor injuries to our firefighting personnel."
Speaking on the air support, Marrone added: "We annually lease two CL-415 Super Scoopers from the province of Quebec... They're out right now dropping water and taking advantage of the cooler temperatures this morning." Regarding the single firefighter injured on the line, Marrone confirmed: "Our firefighter is reported to be in stable condition. He's fine, but he was transported to the hospital in an abundance of caution."
Addressing potential safety concerns in evacuated zones, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna issued a stern warning to potential criminals.
"If you think you are going to come in and take advantage of these poor folks who have been asked to evacuate or who don't have power, you are going to run into probably deputies who aren't in uniform and are just out there specifically looking for that challenge."
Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin McGowan stressed the importance of immediate action and community support.
"An evacuation warning is the time for people who need additional time to leave at that moment, whereas our evacuation orders mean that everyone should be leaving immediately. If you feel unsafe or see fire threatening your area, do not wait for phone alerts or official evacuation orders. Take action and leave then."
What's next:
Unified incident commanders will maintain high staffing levels, structure protection operations, and active line monitoring through at least Saturday evening while wind conditions persist.
Utility crews will begin ground inspections to safely restore electricity as wind speeds drop.
Community leaders and emergency responders are monitoring mid-week weather forecasts for incoming precipitation that could aid long-term fire suppression across the region.
What you can do:
Be prepared
- Maintain active emergency preparations by reviewing household evacuation plans, gathering go-bags, keeping vehicles fully fueled, and keeping mobile devices charged.
- To prevent additional ignition points during extreme weather, avoid using outdoor power equipment or engaging in activities that generate electrical sparks.
- Those residing under evacuation warnings who require additional time or assistance should relocate early, while residents under mandatory evacuation orders must leave immediately.
- Community members seeking support can visit the Malibu Boys & Girls Club Disaster Relief Center, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or access power and basic resources at the Bluffs Park Community Resource Center.
The Source: This report is based on official updates issued by Cal Fire, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and the National Weather Service. Additional reporting incorporates live press conference statements from Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, Sheriff Robert Luna, and Emergency Management Director Kevin McGowan, along with direct interviews and local emergency management advisories.