Malibu brush fire 50% contained as heat wave causes elevated fire danger across SoCal

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters gained the upper hand on a 6-acre brush fire that was burning up a hillside in Malibu Friday morning as the region prepares for a weekend of dry, scorching weather and the continuing threat of wildfires.

At least 150 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire in a remote area of Malibu and were expected to remain on site most of the day to guard against lingering hot spots.
[Ads /]
The wildfire started as one-fourth acre in heavy brush located off Tuna Canyon Road near Pacific Coast Highway just before 1 a.m., according to Los Angeles County Fire Department officials.

The fire was 50% and was surrounded by a line of cleared vegetation just before 10:30 a.m., but it was no longer spreading and the flames were out, officials reported.

CA power grid declares Flex Alert for Friday, asks for electricity conservation amid excessive heat


No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported, fire officials said.



Footage from the scene showed a thick plume of smoke billowing into the sky. AIR7 HD was over the scene around 5:30 a.m. as some flames showed through white smoke.
[Ads /]
Fire officials said the fire was initially difficult for crews to reach on the ground. Three water-dropping helicopters helped fight the fire from above, officials said.



The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert, shutting down Tuna Canyon Road from Las Flores Heights Road to PCH.

Details on how the fire started were not immediately clear. However, there is increased fire danger across the Southland as another heat wave grips the region.

City News Service contributed to this report