A brush fire erupted on Monday night in Malibu Canyon, sparking mandatory evacuation orders in parts of Southern California as the flames quickly spread, according to local officials.
The fire broke out about three miles north of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the city confirmed in an emergency alert sent out late Monday. Fire crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department rushed to the scene and are working hard to contain what they described as a “rapidly spreading” blaze.
The fire was first reported just before 11 p.m., starting out small at around 10 acres. But within just an hour, it exploded to at least 100 acres, according to officials. The area’s thick, dry brush and strong Santa Ana winds have created the perfect storm for the flames to grow even more.
Evacuation orders are in place for people living east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, as well as the Serra Retreat area, local media reported.
So far, the fire is burning along the hillsides a few miles away from Pepperdine University. While the campus isn’t directly threatened at the moment, the university is dealing with power outages as a precaution. Reports suggest the flames are moving southward, heading in the direction of Santa Monica.
Thankfully, there haven’t been any reports of injuries or damage to buildings yet. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Firefighters are racing against time to get control of the situation, with windy conditions making it even harder. Residents are being urged to stay alert and follow evacuation orders to stay safe.
