Bryson Fire 17% Contained As Officials Warn Of Worsening Conditions In Malibu

MALIBU, CA — More than 100 structures were threatened by the Bryson Fire Friday morning as Los Angeles County officials warned that dangerous winds could cause the blaze to spread rapidly throughout the afternoon.

The wildfire, which broke out Thursday afternoon in the Santa Monica Mountains north of Malibu, had burned 147 acres and was 17% contained as of about 7 a.m. Friday, according to Cal Fire.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze and was transported to a local hospital, officials said at a Friday morning news conference. Authorities did not disclose how the firefighter was injured.

Officials warned that the most dangerous conditions of the ongoing Santa Ana wind event were expected Friday, potentially threatening more homes and complicating firefighting efforts.

"This morning through this afternoon is our most critical period of time during this red flag event," said Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. "Strong winds and very dry conditions will continue to cause fire starts to spread rapidly."

More than 100 structures in the footprint of the fire were threatened, though a much larger area could be endangered if winds intensify and firefighters lose containment, officials said.

No structures had been destroyed as of Friday morning, according to authorities. However, winds were forecast to blow toward Encinal Canyon, raising concerns about homes in the fire's path.

The fire broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday near Camp Kilpatrick on Encinal Canyon Road, west of Mulholland Highway, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Firefighters worked through the night to contain the flames in difficult-to-access terrain. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to drop water and fire retardant.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Evacuation orders were issued for areas including Zuma and Trancas canyons, while evacuation warnings covered a broader stretch of Malibu extending toward Leo Carrillo State Beach, as well as more northern areas toward Agoura Hills.

The Los Angeles County Probation Department evacuated 38 youths from Camp Kilpatrick to Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar.

Officials urged residents to leave immediately when ordered to evacuate and warned those with mobility challenges or medical needs to consider leaving as soon as an evacuation warning is issued.

"If you feel unsafe or see fire threatening your area, do not wait for phone alerts or official evacuation orders," McGowan said. "Take action and leave then."

County officials also delivered an unusually pointed warning to residents considering defending their homes with garden hoses or sprinklers.

"This is not the time to attempt to fight wildfire," county Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said.

He urged residents not to leave sprinklers or rooftop hoses running when evacuating, warning that such measures would do little to stop an approaching wildfire while potentially reducing the water available to firefighters.

"What we want you to do is we want to save that water for the structure fires that could happen," Pestrella said.

Pestrella said local water tanks were full and backup generators were in place to support firefighting operations.

He also urged residents of gated communities to leave their gates open when evacuating so emergency crews can gain access.

Several roads in the area were closed, including:

• Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road
• Kanan Road at Mulholland Highway
• Mulholland Highway at Westlake Boulevard

Officials warned drivers not to bypass roadblocks, saying motorists who disregard barriers could face arrest.

Additional power shutoffs were also possible Friday as dangerous fire weather continued across Southern California.

"Residents should remain prepared for public safety power shutoffs. They could increase throughout the day," McGowan said.

Southern California Edison reported more than 36,000 customers without power across Los Angeles County Thursday night, although it was unclear exactly how many were in the Malibu area.

A public safety power shutoff had already begun in central and western Malibu around 3:30 p.m. Thursday because of the heightened fire danger, city officials said.

Residents were urged to charge electronic devices, prepare backup batteries and monitor emergency information through battery-powered or car radios if electricity and communications services are disrupted.

The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Agoura High School, while an animal evacuation center was established at the Agoura Animal Care Center.

Residents can check the Los Angeles County emergency information page for updated evacuation information, road closures and other emergency alerts.

Red flag warnings remained in effect across much of Southern California through at least Saturday.

City News Service contributed to this report.