What California's Brush Fires and Power Shutoffs Mean for Residents This Weekend

Hot, windy weather fueled several brush fires in Southern California, forcing evacuations and leading utilities to cut electricity to more than 150,000 customers across the state, according to The Guardian. Officials say the high fire threat in Los Angeles County will continue into the weekend.

The largest fire, called the Bryson fire, is burning in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu. A red flag warning, which signals higher than usual wildfire risk, is in effect across the region.

What it means for people in Southern California this weekend

Power. Because power equipment has sparked some of the state's worst recent wildfires, utilities shut off electricity ahead of the winds as a precaution. The Guardian reported that tens of thousands of people woke up without power on Friday, and that the shutoffs covered more than 150,000 customers statewide.

Evacuations. The Bryson fire prompted evacuation orders and warnings across a large part of the Santa Monica Mountains. In Azusa, a neighborhood in the San Gabriel foothills was briefly ordered to leave on Thursday. At Camp Pendleton, orders in the Las Flores area were issued Thursday afternoon and lifted by evening, military officials said.

Roads. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath asked residents to keep roads clear so emergency crews can move more easily.

Closures. The Getty Villa, an antiquities museum near Malibu, said it would be closed Friday because of the fire. State parks in the Santa Monica Mountains are also closed.

Where the fires stand

More than 285 firefighters fought the Bryson fire overnight, according to The Guardian. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone later said more than 400 firefighters were working to contain it, with only minor injuries reported. The fire grew to about 200 acres and threatened a county juvenile detention and rehabilitation facility. Horvath said it was 17% contained as of Friday morning.

She thanked firefighters for holding the line so that, despite the winds, no lives or structures were put in harm's way by the blaze.

In Azusa, a wind-driven fire burned more than 40 acres on Thursday. Forward progress on that fire has been stopped.

Why the weather is the main concern

Marrone said strong Santa Ana winds, high temperatures and dry vegetation will keep the fire threat high across the county into the weekend. Santa Anas are dry, warm, gusty winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast. The strongest winds were forecast through Friday afternoon.

National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld described a widespread stretch of elevated fire weather and said “the whole SoCal region should really be on alert.” She added that the winds are not expected to be as strong as during the January 2025 fires in the Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods. Those fires, also fanned by Santa Ana winds, killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes, and winds then were gusting 60-100mph.

How officials are responding

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who faced criticism over the city's response to the deadly 2025 fires, directed the fire department to deploy personnel and equipment ahead of the winds. The department also asked the state's emergency services office for help.

What happens next

Horvath said red flag conditions remain in place until 8 p.m. Saturday and urged residents to stay vigilant and prepared. Conditions during that window will determine whether more evacuation orders or power shutoffs become necessary; officials have not announced when electricity will be restored to affected customers.

Source: The Guardian