Topanga Canyon To Shut Down Ahead Of Red Flag Warning

TOPANGA, CA — As the region braces for dangerously dry and windy weather this week, authorities plan to shut down Topanga Canyon Boulevard to most traffic in anticipation of Red Flag fire conditions.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be shut down between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Drive from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Friday. Only residents and local businesses will be allowed in the canyon, according to Caltrans.

Dangerous winds will heighten the chances for fast-spreading wildfires starting Tuesday and possibly lasting until Friday, according to the National Weather Service, which predicts Santa Ana wind gusts could reach speeds of 60 to 80 mph, with some ridgetops seeing 90 mph winds.

Red Flag warnings of critical fire danger will take effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday and remain in place until 6 p.m. Thursday for the Malibu coast, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas and more.