On October 16, 2026, a combination of extreme heat and strong winds sparked several brush fires in Southern California, including the Bryson Fire in Malibu. The blaze prompted evacuations and led utilities to shut off electricity for safety.
Power outages affected tens of thousands of customers as the grid was disconnected to manage the heightened demand and protect infrastructure. The same weather pattern has been fueling additional brush fires throughout the region.
Officials note that the unusually hot and windy conditions are driving both the fire activity and the widespread loss of power across the state.