At least 2 homes damaged in 50-acre Malibu brush fire

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- At least three homes were damaged Wednesday as a fast-burning brush fire burned along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The Broad Fire erupted around 9:30 a.m. near PCH and Malibu Canyon Road, close to Pepperdine University, and scorched about 40 acres. So far, there have been no immediate reports of injuries.

As of early Wednesday afternoon, the fire's "forward progress (was) stopped,'' the Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a statement.

By Thursday afternoon, the fire was at 98% 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.

PCH reopened on Thursday.

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.