Malibu has declared a local emergency ahead of peak wildfire season, giving city officials the authority to immediately clear homeless tent encampments after notice is issued. The City Council approved the measure on Aug. 10 as part of an effort to reduce the risk of a large fire starting from an encampment and spreading in high winds.
City officials said they are deeply concerned that even a small fire in a tent camp could be carried by wind and turn into a major wildfire. Malibu said 41 fires in the city are believed to have been started by homeless individuals, and fuel moisture levels in the Santa Monica Mountains have fallen to 63%, below the danger benchmark of 65%.
Mayor Bruce Silverstein called the emergency declaration a proactive step to reduce wildfire danger and protect lives and property. He said the city would continue trying to balance public safety with care for vulnerable residents while removing immediate fire hazards.
Malibu has long faced wildfire threats from Santa Ana winds. The city said the Franklin Fire in December 2024 burned more than 4,000 acres and destroyed 19 structures, while the Palisades Fire in January 2025 destroyed thousands of homes.
