MALIBU, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on a brush fire above Malibu (all times local):
2:30 p.m.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department says ground crews and aircraft are making progress against a 40-acre (16-hectare) brush fire in steep terrain above Malibu.
Firefighters and a fleet of aircraft achieved 60 percent containment of the blaze by early Friday afternoon, and mop-up is expected to continue into the evening.
The fire erupted shortly before noon near Pacific Coast Highway and Sweetwater Canyon Road.
Firefighters climbed steep slopes to reach the flames while five helicopters made water drops and two air tankers painted the flanks of the fire with retardant.
Firefighters plan to keep watch on the area through the night to ensure there are no flare-ups.
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Los Angeles County firefighters are battling a brush fire on the slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu.
The Fire Department says the blaze was reported shortly before noon Friday at Pacific Coast Highway and Sweetwater Canyon Road.
The fire has spread over 3 acres (1.2 hectares) but no structures are threatened.
Crews are on the ground and two helicopters are on scene. Two air tankers have been requested.
A huge swath of Malibu including many homes burned last November during the devastating Woolsey Fire.
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