Brush Fire Breaks Out in Malibu Amid Red Flag Conditions
Fire Spreads Quickly, Reaches 853 Acres with No Containment
A brush fire broke out in Malibu on Monday evening, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and Red Flag conditions. The fire, which was reported around 10:48 p.m., quickly spread, growing to 30 acres by 11:18 p.m. and reaching 100 acres by 11:54 p.m.
Firefighters Respond with Water-Dropping Helicopters
Los Angeles County firefighters responded to the fire, assisted by water-dropping helicopters. The fire was at three-alarm status, with 853 acres burned by just before 2 a.m. with no containment.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Both sides of Malibu Canyon Road were closed, as well as a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, as evacuations were ordered. The city of Malibu issued a mandatory evacuation order for the Serra Retreat area, and evacuation warnings were issued for surrounding areas.
Evacuation Areas and Information
- Mandatory evacuation orders:
- South of Piuma Road, north of Pacific Coast Highway, east of Las Virgenes Road and Malibu Road, and west of Carbon Beach Terrace
- Evacuation warnings:
- East of Las Virgenes between Mulholland Highway to the north and Piuma Road to the south
- Between Stunt Road to the north and Los Flores to the south
- East of Carbon Beach Terrace, west of Old Malibu Road, north of Pacific Crest highway to the evacuation order boundary
- Topanga Zone 8 and 10
Evacuation Centers and Animal Shelters
- A Temporary Evacuation Point was designated at Palisades Recreation Center – 851 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- Large animals can be taken to Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Pepperdine University Response
Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, activated its shelter-in-place protocol, directing community members to shelter in the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library.
Conclusion
The fire, which was reported amid Red Flag conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, quickly spread, leaving a trail of destruction. Firefighters responded quickly, but the fire remains uncontained. Evacuations and road closures were implemented to ensure public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the fire?
A: As of 2 a.m., the fire had burned 853 acres with no containment.
Q: What areas are under mandatory evacuation orders?
A: The Serra Retreat area and areas south of Piuma Road, north of Pacific Coast Highway, east of Las Virgenes Road and Malibu Road, and west of Carbon Beach Terrace.
Q: What areas are under evacuation warnings?
A: East of Las Virgenes between Mulholland Highway to the north and Piuma Road to the south, between Stunt Road to the north and Los Flores to the south, east of Carbon Beach Terrace, west of Old Malibu Road, north of Pacific Crest highway to the evacuation order boundary, and Topanga Zone 8 and 10.
Q: Where can I find updates on the fire and evacuations?
A: Visit the City of Malibu website or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lost Hills Station website for updates.
