Amid critically dangerous Santa Ana winds, a fire scorched about 50 acres of brush and damaged two structures in the Malibu area Wednesday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
The Broad Fire was reported about 9:10 a.m. near Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, the fire’s “forward progress (was) stopped,” the fire department said in a statement. “Fire held at 50 acres with 15% containment.”
Malibu city officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place, but warned them to be prepared for potential evacuations.
All lanes of PCH were closed from Corral Canyon to Webb Way, and backup power generators for traffic signals were staged in the area, Malibu city officials reported on X.
Video from the scene showed flames burning in one home, and county fire officials said later a second structure was also impacted by the fire.
The fire erupted amid a red flag warning of critical fire danger due to fierce Santa Ana winds and low humidity.
Nearby Pepperdine University reported no impact on its operations, although it advised students of the road closure in the area.