Malibu officials urge residents to prepare as fire conditions continue to worsen

By The Malibu Times · Wed Jul 29 2026

As Southern California moves deeper into the heart of wildfire season, Malibu officials are urging residents to take action now as fire conditions continue to worsen across the region.

According to the City of Malibu's Fire Safety Liaisons, live fuel moisture (LFM) in the Santa Monica Mountains measured 67% as of July 24, well below the historical average of 78% for this time of year and approaching the critical threshold of 65%. Live fuel moisture measures the amount of water contained in living vegetation, and lower percentages indicate vegetation is becoming increasingly dry and more susceptible to burning.

Historically, some of Southern California's largest wildfires have occurred when live fuel moisture falls between 65% and 80%, particularly when combined with hot temperatures, low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds.

Although hazardous fire weather through Monday, July 27, was expected to impact inland valleys, mountains, and deserts more than the Malibu coastline, city officials cautioned that Malibu remains vulnerable. The area's vegetation continues to dry, and any period of strong offshore or canyon winds could rapidly increase the risk of wildfire.

City Fire Safety Liaisons emphasized that wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility and encouraged residents to use the current conditions as a reminder to review emergency plans and prepare their homes before dangerous weather arrives.

Officials continue to encourage residents to follow the Ready, Set, Go! approach to wildfire preparedness:

READY: Strengthen your home against wildfire by maintaining defensible space, removing dry vegetation and other combustible materials, cleaning roofs and gutters, covering attic and eave vents, and identifying multiple evacuation routes and family reunification locations.

SET: Assemble an emergency "go bag" with medications, important documents, pet supplies, and other essentials. Families should review their emergency communication plan and monitor official emergency alerts and trusted local news sources.

GO: Evacuate immediately when instructed by emergency officials — or sooner if conditions become unsafe. Officials note that residents who may require additional time to leave, including seniors, people with disabilities, and horse or livestock owners, should consider evacuating early.

The city also encourages homeowners to schedule a free Home Wildfire Assessment through the city's Fire Safety Liaison program. Residents interested in improving neighborhood wildfire resilience can also learn more about establishing or joining a Firewise community.

To stay informed during emergencies, residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications from both the City of Malibu and Los Angeles County.

For more information about wildfire preparedness or to schedule a free Home Wildfire Assessment, contact the City of Malibu Fire Safety Liaisons at Firesafety@malibucity.org or call (310) 456-2489.

With vegetation continuing to dry and peak fire season still ahead, city officials stress that the time to prepare is now — not when smoke is already visible on the horizon.