Evacuation orders and warnings were issued Thursday evening as the wind-driven Bryson Fire rapidly spread through brush in the Malibu area amid dangerous Santa Ana wind conditions.
The fire, which broke out near Encinal Canyon Road and Mulholland Highway around 5 p.m., had grown to 200 acres with 0% containment as of 9:30 p.m., according to CAL FIRE.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for zone KAN-U017 and SYC-U016-A while evacuation warnings are in place for several surrounding communities, including portions of Malibu.
According to CAL FIRE, evacuation warnings cover zones CRN-U019, LBO-U018, LEO-U015, MAL-C113, MAL-C114, MCR-U021, MLK-U020, SYC-U016, VST-U046 and WLV-C201.
(Cal Fire)
Residents under evacuation orders must leave immediately. Those under warnings should prepare to evacuate, while people needing additional time to leave, including those with pets or livestock, are urged to leave now, officials with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department said.
Residents can check their evacuation zones and the latest orders and warnings using the Genasys Protect evacuation map.
The fire grew rapidly after initially being reported at approximately 2 acres. By 5:42 p.m., it had reached 35 acres, with firefighters reporting active spotting as flames spread through the area. Fire officials said the blaze has the potential spread to 200 acres by end of the evening.
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
A fire erupted in Malbu’s Byrson Canyon on Oct. 15, 2026. (KTLA)
Firefighting aircraft were dispatched to assist Los Angeles County firefighters battling the blaze and made repeated drops. Fixed-wing airplanes were deployed until nightfall and were able to draw water from the nearby ocean to help fight the spread of the fire.
The blaze erupted amid a Red Flag Warning for Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains, with powerful Santa Ana winds, low humidity and high temperatures creating dangerous conditions through Saturday evening.
Adding to concerns, power was already out in portions of central and western Malibu due to Southern California Edison’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs, according to city officials.
Residents were urged to keep phones charged, vehicles fueled and emergency supplies ready in case additional evacuations become necessary.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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