Breaking: Malibu Fire Swells to 2,600 Acres, Mandatory Evacuations, Homes Destroyed

Latest Update 12:20 PM: A wildfire, fueled by the intense Santa Ana winds, has expanded to 2,600 acres and is currently uncontained, according to CalFire’s latest update on Tuesday.

Around 2,000 buildings are now under compulsory evacuation, although only a few homes have been reported as destroyed, say officials.

“Although it’s confirmed that some residences have been impacted, exact figures are still pending,” stated a release from the city of Malibu. “We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected and commit to assisting in their recovery efforts.”

There have been no injuries reported so far, and the origin of the fire is still under investigation.

Earlier in the day, Pepperdine University officials ended a temporary shelter-in-place directive though they canceled classes and finals for the day. They mentioned the possibility of reinstating the order should conditions deteriorate.

The Palisades Recreation Center located at 851 Alma Real Dr. has been designated as an evacuation center, which is now operational and accepting pets in carriers or crates. It also serves as an evacuation site for large animals.

Additionally, large animals can be taken to Pierce College in Woodland Hills (6201 Winnetka Ave at Victory Blvd).

Southern California Edison is providing reduced rates at certain hotels for those evacuated. Details are available on the city’s website.

Firefighters are hoping to leverage the relatively calmer winds this afternoon to combat the fire before expected increases in wind speed later tonight. Near the Malibu area, wind gusts reached almost 50 mph overnight, as per the National Weather Service reports.

Third Update, 8:44 AM: The shelter-in-place directive at Pepperdine University has been temporarily lifted. University officials on X social media platform announced that conditions reassessed at dawn indicated it was safe to return to student housing and on-campus residences, although staying on campus is highly advised.

Power is still out across much of the campus and surrounding Malibu areas, and the shelter-in-place order may be reinstated if the situation worsens.

Update at 8 AM: The wildfire, stoked by strong Santa Ana winds, erupted late Monday in Malibu and has quickly spread to 2,200 acres without any containment.

Compulsory evacuations are ongoing in the area east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Piuma Road, including the Serra Retreat area, as informed by fire officials on X. Additional mandatory evacuations were ordered early morning from Tuna Canyon to Puerco Canyon, and an evacuation advisory is in place from Puerco Canyon to Trancas Canyon.

A shelter-in-place order is still active at Pepperdine University, where classes and final exams have been canceled. Local schools in Malibu have also been closed for the day.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties due to the warm, dry conditions and wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph.

An unspecified number of homes and structures have been either damaged or destroyed, with around 2,000 at risk, reports Fox11.

The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.

Reporting contributed by City News Service.

We will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

Earlier, 1:14 AM Tuesday: A fire ignited just before midnight near Malibu Canyon Road, east of Pepperdine University in Malibu. Propelled by wind speeds of up to 50 mph, the fire rapidly expanded over 100 acres within minutes.

Local television stations interrupted regular programming to broadcast live coverage of the escalating situation.