Bryson Fire in Malibu hills burns nearly 150 acres and prompts mandatory evacuation orders

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Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place on Friday as firefighters continue to battle the Bryson Fire, which erupted in a brush area along the Malibu hills.

It started in the Encinal Canyon area, near the Camp Kilpatrick juvenile detention facility, at around 4:40 p.m. Thursday. 

During an update on Friday morning, officials said more than 400 firefighters made progress on the 147-acre fire overnight. By the afternoon, it was 39% contained. They also said out of an abundance of caution, the Getty Villa and state parks would be closed on Friday.

Local officials emphasized the importance of being ready to evacuate if a fire does grow closer to your home. Officials said residents should have important materials like documents and medications packed. 

No structures have been damaged as a result of the fire. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said there have only been minor injuries reported by crews. 

Los Angeles County issued evacuation warnings and orders for a wide area that stretches to Leo Carrillo State Park, Pepperdine University and the coast. 

"We are monitoring the Bryson Fire near Encinal Canyon, which is located approximately eight miles northwest of the Malibu campus," Pepperdine wrote in a post to X. "Winds are blowing southwest and away from the Malibu campus. The fire does not currently pose a threat to Pepperdine's Malibu campus."

Camp Kilpatrick said it evacuated 38 youth from the detention center. They are being housed at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar.

"We understand that an evacuation can be stressful for youth and their families," LA County probation wrote in a statement. "Staff are available to attend to the youth's needs and provide support. Parents and legal guardians are being notified directly and will receive updates as circumstances change."

While the fire is burning outside of the city limits, LA Mayor Karen Bass said her team is monitoring the situation.

"We are closely monitoring the Bryson Fire in Malibu," she wrote in a statement. "While the fire is burning outside of the City of Los Angeles, the LAFD is prepared to respond to any fire threat that could emerge and has pre-deployed resources across the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, and West LA."

The Ventura County Fire Department said they're sending a strike team to assist LA County crews battle the blaze. 

Southern California Edison initiated a public safety power shutoff for more than 60,000 residents. 

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning in Southern California after saying a moderate-to-strong Santa Ana wind event is expected to increase critical fire danger through Saturday.

Evacuation orders and warnings

The American Red Cross set up an emergency shelter for evacuees at Agoura High School, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

An animal evacuation center was set up at the Agoura Animal Care Center at 29525 Agoura Blvd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

Evacuation orders have been issued for:

  • KAN-U017
  • SYC-U016-A

Evacuation warnings have been issued for:

  • 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

Officials are asking residents to remain prepared and ready to leave their homes if additional orders are issued. 

Road closures 

LA County officials have issued several road closures while firefighters are battling the blaze. 

LA County road closures:

  • Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road
  • Kanan Road and Mulholland Highway
  • Mulholland Highway and Westlake Boulevard
  • Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Highway and PCH is restricted to residents during the Red Flag Warning period. 
  • PCH remains open in both directions.
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