Brush fire prompts an evacuation order along Los Angeles coast

A brush fire in the mountains west of Los Angeles prompted evacuation warnings from officials on Thursday, as powerful winds risked spreading the blaze rapidly.

The incident, dubbed the Bryson Fire by fire officials, was first reported around 5pm local time north of Malibu, California.

It had spread to 41 hectares as of 6.30 pm Thursday, according to the forestry and fire protection department (CAL FIRE).

The Los Angeles County Fire Department issued an evacuation order for the Encinal Canyon area of Malibu, with surrounding areas under evacuation warnings.

The US National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the area through Saturday evening indicating weather conditions such as high winds and low humidity could risk high wildfire activity.

The agency forecast northeast to east winds ranging 32 to 65 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 80 to 110 kph.

“Follow fire and law enforcement directions. Check on neighbors who may need assistance if able to safely do so,” Los Angeles County officials said in an emergency warning to residents.

“If you feel unsafe due to a fire nearby…do not wait for an official alert to leave.”

The Bryson Fire was burning about 32km west of the location of the Palisades fire, which ravaged wide swaths of Los Angeles in 2025 along with the Eaton Fire, displacing thousands and killing 31 people.