On Monday, September 29, the Malibu City Council declared a local emergency in response to worsening wildfire conditions. The Council unanimously approved the declaration after live fuel moisture levels in the Santa Monica Mountains dropped below 65%, which is the threshold the City has adopted for declaring an emergency. A live fuel moisture of 60% is considered the “critical” threshold where wildfires spread faster, grow larger, and pose greater risks to lives, property, and the environment.
Declaring a local emergency is an important proactive safety measure. It allows the City to expedite the removal of homeless encampments located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Normally, state law requires a lengthy notice period before any encampment removals. The emergency declaration shortens that timeline to one day, enabling faster action in high fire-risk areas while ensuring outreach teams connect individuals with shelter and services. Cooking fires in encampments pose a particular danger, as open flames can quickly ignite dry vegetation. Since 2021, the City has responded to more than 30 encampment fires in Malibu.
“As we continue to recover from the most devastating fire in our City’s history, declaring a local emergency is an important and proactive step to reduce wildfire risk and protect lives, homes, and our community,” said Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins. “We are stepping up enforcement if there is illegal activity, especially fires, but we lead with compassion. Our first priority is always getting people housed and connected to the resources they need.”
The City continues to prioritize engagement through the City’s Homeless Outreach Team operated by The People Concern, as well as the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), ensuring that enforcement actions are accompanied by offers of support, services, and relocation assistance. In all cases, the City and Sheriff outreach teams will offer housing support and services.
“Even in the midst of an emergency, the City remains committed to connecting individuals in need with resources, shelter, and support through our dedicated outreach teams,” said Malibu Public Safety Director Susan Duenas. “Same-day shelter placements are available through the County’s Emergency Centralized Response Center and will be offered to everyone our teams engage with. This balanced approach allows us to advance wildfire prevention and public safety, while treating those experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion.”
Malibu’s approach to homelessness has yielded measurable results. The 2025 Homeless Count shows Malibu’s unhoused population has declined to 21 individuals and 25 total dwellings (tents, cars, RVs, vans, makeshift shelters), the lowest number since the City started tracking in 2016, down from 69 in 2024, 71 in 2023, 81 in 2022, and 157 in 2021.
In partnership with The People Concern, the City continues to successfully connect individuals with permanent housing, interim placements, and family reunification services. The Outreach Team made 72 housing placements in 2024, 51 in 2023, 67 in 2022, and 22 in 2021.
The City also proactively removes encampments year-round to address wildfire, public safety, public health, and environmental concerns. Working alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Malibu cleared 44 encampments in 2024, up from 29 in 2023.
The declaration will remain in effect for the duration of the hazardous fire season, subject to periodic review by the City Council.
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