The following is a letter from SMMUSD. What follows is an alert from the City of Malibu.
Dear Media and Community Partners,
Out of an abundance of caution, Malibu High, Malibu Middle, Malibu Elementary and Webster Elementary schools are closed today, Friday, October 16, due to the Bryson Fire. Malibu High, Malibu Middle and Malibu Elementary schools are under an evacuation warning.
SMMUSD will offer Continuity of Learning opportunities for students. However, there will be no negative academic impact on students who are unable to access these resources.
For more information, please visit the District’s Continuity of Learning webpage: https://www.smmusd.org/departments/educational-services/continuity-of-learning
The District remains in communication with the City of Malibu’s Emergency Operations Center and will provide updates as they become available.
The District anticipates reopening schools on Monday, October 19, and will share additional updates as needed.
Our thoughts are with everyone in the Malibu community during this time. The safety and well-being of our students, families and staff remain our top priority.
Advisory from City of Malibu
BRYSON FIRE | INCIDENT QUICK REFERENCE
Updated: October 16, 2026, 4:30 AM
Individual source update times are noted below. Conditions may change.
Purpose: Quick reference for confirmed incident information.
Public Safety
Evacuation orders: Currently none in Malibu. Two north of Malibu.
Evacuation warnings: MAL-C113 and MAL-C114 in western Malibu.
Prepare to evacuate. People who need additional time or assistance, including those evacuating pets or livestock, should leave early.
Source: Genasys Protect.
Roads and access: LA County lists closures at:
- Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road
- Kanan Road and Mulholland Highway
- Mulholland Highway and Westlake Boulevard
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Highway and PCH is restricted to residents during the Red Flag Warning period. Check LA County emergency updates for changes.
- PCH remains open in both directions.
Immediate safety instructions: Follow evacuation directions and keep roads clear for emergency responders. Take medications, essential documents and emergency supplies. Keep phones charged and monitor alerts. Call 911 for emergencies. If you feel unsafe, leave without waiting for an evacuation alert.
Shelter and Assistance
Shelter / assistance location: Red Cross Emergency Shelter at Agoura High School, 28545 W. Driver Avenue, Agoura Hills.
Animals / other needs:
- Pets and small animals: Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Phone: 818-991-0071. Official facility information.
- Large animals: Pierce College Equestrian Center, 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills listed by LA County as an evacuation resource.
Utilities and City Services
Power, gas, water, communications: The City’s October 15, 11 p.m. alert confirmed SCE Public Safety Power Shutoffs in central and western Malibu. Check your address and restoration information on SCE’s PSPS page. Prepare for possible cell service and traffic signal outages.
City services: Malibu City Hall is closed Friday, October 16.
Incident Status
Location and start time: Near Encinal Canyon Road and Mulholland Highway, north of Malibu. LA County Fire Department reported responding at approximately 4:40 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Current status: Active wildfire under Los Angeles County Fire Department jurisdiction. Latest verified agency bulletin: 146 acres and 5% containment, October 16, 4:30 a.m. Cause remains under investigation. Acreage and containment require reconfirmation before release.
City Actions:
- Coordinated the deployment of Cell on Wheel mobile cellular sites
- Partnered with Caltrans to deploy generators to keep traffic signals operating on PCH
- Worked with SCE to set up a Community Resource Center at Bluffs Park from 8am to 8pm to provide outage information, charging, and basic supplies
- Shared timely updates to our community throughout the incident
Official Updates
City of Malibu: malibucity.org
Evacuation zones/status: protect.genasys.com
Agency incident information: CAL FIRE Bryson Fire page
Incident map / tracking: Watch Duty Bryson Fire map, linked from the City’s website.
Radio / alert channels: 99.1 FM KBUU; City emergency alerts; Alert LA County. Use a battery powered or car radio during power outages.
Media Contact
City of Malibu Public Information Officer:
