Fire and public‑safety officials told residents on Sept. 10 that recent weather and fire activity elevated risks across the Santa Monica Mountains, prompting heightened operational responses and community warnings. Officials described three local fires earlier in October, one structure loss in a separate incident, and a suspected arson near PCH that drew arson investigators.

Officials explained a higher‑severity designation used in extreme conditions, referred to in the meeting as a "particularly dangerous situation" (PDF), and said such classifications reflect wind, humidity and duration thresholds that elevate fire danger above ordinary red‑flag conditions. When a PDF was declared during a recent event, the Lost Hills sheriff and fire commanders recommended that Topanga Canyon Elementary School not hold standard in‑person classes and instead open an alternate learning site; officials said the district acted on that recommendation.

Speakers emphasized limits on mandatory evacuation orders: officials can issue warnings and advisories but said full evacuation orders require specific criteria to be met. They urged residents to maintain Firewise practices, report suspicious activity and keep the county aware of communications gaps during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Officials acknowledged that PSPS and other outages can disrupt radios and cell service for some canyon residents and said they are working with county OEM and the supervisor’s office to improve notification and resilience.