Malibu residents faced a harrowing Wednesday as the Broad Fire consumed an estimated 50 acres along the Malibu coast. Sparked in the vicinity of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road around 9 a.m., the blaze rapidly expanded under the influence of the fierce Santa Ana winds. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire's growth was vigorous, its appetite fed by medium-density brush and escalated wind conditions. NBC Los Angeles reported the ominous closure of the PCH between Webb Way and Corral Canyon as at least one seaside home succumbed to the flames.

UPDATE - No active brush fire currently. Shelter in place for Malibu Rd from Webb Way west to PCH. Southbound Malibu Cyn closed, northbound open. All lanes of PCH closed from Corral Cyn to Webb Way. Traffic signal backup power generators for traffic signals have been staged. pic.twitter.com/xKDOSouznj

— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) November 6, 2024

As the sky was streaked with smoke, and the winds began to earnestly pick up in their intensity, firefighting crews braced to more effectively combat the blaze. Jonathan Torres, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, described to KTLA that the ocean winds served as a saving grace in their efforts.

With a high wind warning issued until 4 p.m. Thursday, residents along Malibu Road were advised by the city to shelter in place. Despite these adverse conditions, the firefighters managed, by midday, to increase containment to 15 percent, an encouraging sign amidst the chaos. This was communicated to locals via a statement from the city of Malibu, reported by NBC Los Angeles. Power outages and mandatory evacuations loomed as possibilities on the horizon.