Firefighters responded to a small brush fire that broke out in Malibu overnight as Southern California remained in the grips of its latest heat wave.
The fire, dubbed the Tuna Fire, was reported about 1:15 a.m. Friday burning in steep terrain near Tuna Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Officials estimated that the blaze had scorched about 5 acres as of 4:45 a.m. Firefighters had to hike in about 2,000 feet worth of hose to get to the area that was burning, the Fire Department stated.
By 10 a.m. the blaze was more than 5% contained at 4 to 6 acres.
About 150 firefighters were battling the blaze along with three water-dropping helicopters.
Fire officials were concerned about flames possibly spreading down the hill near homes along PCH.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The brush fire comes as Southland residents are dealing with another heat wave.
Hot temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend, bringing a chance of record-setting heat Sunday.
The heat also brings an increased risk of fire danger to the Southland.
Cal Fire said earlier this week that the number of fires and amount of land burned in 2021 has exceeded that of 2020 for the same time period.
The weather conditions have prompted the National Weather Service to issue excessive heat warnings for parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties until Monday evening.
The California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert for Friday between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Residents are urged to conserve electricity by setting their thermostat to 78 degrees or higher and avoiding using appliances during peak hours.
Southern Californians are also reminded to stay hydrated and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
