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Bryson Fire Near Mulholland Hwy in Malibu
A fast-moving wildfire known as the Bryson Fire erupted Thursday afternoon in the Santa Monica Mountains near Mulholland Highway and Encinal Canyon Road, north of Malibu, triggering mandatory evacuation orders and warnings for surrounding communities.
Los Angeles County firefighters are battling the flames in rugged canyon terrain while strong Santa Ana winds threaten to push the fire into additional brush-covered areas.
The major concern is preventing flames and wind-driven embers from spreading across the canyon, where the fire could accelerate and become more difficult to control.
Reported fire size
100+ acres
Early-evening media estimate
Containment
0%
Last verified official report
Evacuations
Ordered
KAN-U017 zone
CAL FIRE reported 80 acres and 0% containment at 6:13 p.m.; subsequent local reporting estimated the fire at just over 100 acres. These are evolving estimates.
Where did the Bryson Fire start?
The fire was first reported around 4:40 p.m. near the 400 block of Encinal Canyon Road, west of Mulholland Highway, near the Camp Kilpatrick juvenile detention facility.
It rapidly grew from a few acres to approximately 35 acres, then 80 acres, as gusting winds spread flames and started smaller spot fires ahead of the main fire.
Firefighters requested additional resources, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, to combat the fire from the air. The cause remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings
Mandatory evacuation — leave immediately
Zone KAN-U017, near the Kanan Dume Road and Encinal Canyon area, is under an evacuation order. Residents must leave without delay.
Evacuation warnings — prepare to leave
The following zones were listed under evacuation warnings in the 6:13 p.m. official update:
CRN-U019, LBO-U018, LEO-U015, MAL-C113, MAL-C114, MCR-U021, MLK-U020, SYC-U016, VST-U046 and WLV-C201.
These warning areas include portions of the Santa Monica Mountains and communities extending toward the Malibu coast. Residents needing additional time, including those with pets or livestock, are advised to evacuate early.
Check the live evacuation boundaries at Genasys Protect or the official Bryson Fire incident page. Zone statuses can change rapidly.
Why firefighters are concerned about the fire jumping the canyon
The rugged geography of the Santa Monica Mountains makes the Bryson Fire especially dangerous under current weather conditions.
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Wind-driven embers: Santa Ana winds can carry burning embers across roads, ravines and firebreaks, igniting new fires ahead of the main flames.
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Steep canyon slopes: Fire can move rapidly uphill because rising heat preheats vegetation above it.
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Dry vegetation: Low humidity and dry brush allow flames to spread more easily.
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Limited access: Narrow canyon roads and steep hillsides make it difficult for firefighters to reach certain areas.
Firefighters are using aircraft and ground resources to slow the fire and prevent further spread. Spot fires have already been reported, although I could not verify an official statement that the fire has crossed a particular canyon.
Red Flag Warning remains in effect
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning through Saturday, October 17, at 8 p.m.
Mountain wind gusts could reach 75 mph in some areas, while humidity may fall into the single digits. These conditions increase the danger of rapid wildfire growth.
Road closures, structures and public safety
Mulholland Highway and nearby canyon roads may be restricted as firefighters operate in the area. Residents should avoid traveling toward the fire.
As of the early-evening reports, there were no confirmed destroyed structures, injuries or fatalities. Those figures may change as officials assess the incident.
For ongoing updates, residents can check LA County Emergency and City of Malibu Emergency Alerts.
