Posted on 01/08/2007 7:26:31 PM PST by NormsRevenge
MALIBU, Calif. - A wildfire fanned by Santa Ana winds destroyed eight seaside mansions and damaged five others Monday as it spread over more than 10 acres in this celebrity enclave, authorities said.
Flames boiled furiously out of the skeletons of million-dollar beach homes as palm trees bent in winds blowing at 21 mph.
More than 300 firefighters battled the blaze, which began about 5 p.m., said Los Angeles County fire Inspector Ron Haralson.
The blaze erupted near West Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road. Residents were being evacuated on the west end of the canyon road, Sheriff's Sgt. John Hocking said.
TV news helicopters shot scenes of a large area of flame blowing down the slopes toward shoreline homes, with lines of flashing lights from emergency vehicles that converged on the area. Winds appeared to be blowing the fire toward the ocean rather than up into steep, brushy canyons.
"It's so windy out there, it's kind of scary," said Roberto Cardenas, an employee at Coogies Beach Cafe.
Firefighting help was requested from the city of Los Angeles and neighboring Ventura County, Inspector Sam Padilla said. Two helicopters were on the scene, and two more were summoned.
"We've been seeing fire trucks screaming by," said Mike Gibson, manager of Diedrich Coffee, just over the hill from the fire.
The fire burned near the Malibu Colony, one of the area's original beachfront neighborhoods, dating to the 1930s. The densely built stretch of luxury homes has been a favorite of movie stars over the years.
Malibu has frequently been the scene of devastating fires. In 1993, hundreds of homes were lost and three people were killed. A 1996 fire injured 11 people and destroyed six homes.
The fire was less than a mile from Pepperdine University, but there was no immediate threat, spokeswoman Molly Drobnick said. "It's less than a mile away. There is quite a few flames. It's a pretty big fire."
"Red flag" fire danger warnings had been posted for much of Southern California because of strong north and northeast winds and low humidity.
Santa Ana winds blow when high pressure forms over the Great Basin and cold, dry air rushes out of the north or northeast toward the coast, reaching high speeds through canyons and passes.
This video frame grab image taken from television shows homes and structures burning in Malibu, Calif., Monday Jan. 8, 2007. A fire fanned by Santa Ana winds burned 10 structures in this oceanside neighborhood Monday as it spread over two acres in this celebrity enclave, authorities said. (AP Photo/KNBC-TV via MSNBC)
Malibu mansions burn ping
Duuuude...
Not that I'd wish this on anybody..but...isn't that where Babs lives????
You would think someone rich enough to live there would build
in stone an concrete.
no, she is up the hill.
Movie ticket prices going up ALERT!
Where the heck is FEMA?
Whats taking them so long?
Isn't this the same area that burned in '92 or '93? I forget the exact year, but as I remember that fire was very near Pepperdine as well.
Well, I for one, hope the papparazzi were on their toes this evening. I'm looking forward to next week issues of GLOBE, Enquirer and SUN. Celebrities running around in their expensive undies, toupees flying, burning pubic hair, and such. Wowie!
Malibu stretches for miles and miles along the coast - but somebody on the other thread said they thought Tom Hanks' house was in the fire zone.
Malibu resident Whoopee Goldberg may be homeless tonight. Any FReepers willing to put her up?
I live to the southeast, in Orange County, and the Santa Ana winds have been howling all day. When those winds blow fire danger is horrid. Hot dry winds come in off the desert, and we haven't had much rain. This weather really gets the arsonists excited.
Here comes those Santa Ana winds again...
Not sure if it is exact same area, sounds close tho,
here's a link with more info re: previous fires in Malibu area.
http://www.malibucomplete.com/mc_hazards_fires.php
City of Malibu web site ..
http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/
Fire Burning Near Bluffs Park (1/8/07 UPDATE 6:40 p.m.)
(1/8/2007)
7:25 p.m.
The extent of the fire is now reported at 20 acres. Provisions have been made for evacuated horses, if any, to be housed at the Malibu Civic Center.
6:40 p.m.
Kanan Road is closed southbound from the 101 Freeway.
6:35 p.m.
A shelter has been set up in the gymnasium at Malibu High School for all evacuees.
6:30 p.m.
Per the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the following road closures are in effect:
Westbound PCH is closed at Las Flores
Southbound Malibu Canyon is closed at Piuma
Eastbound PCH is closed at Kanan
Traffic on PCH is being diverted to Malibu Canyon and/or Kanan northbound.
There are three fire helicopters on scene. The Fire/Sheriff Command Post has been set up in front of the Courthouse on Civic Center.
_____________________________
6:00 p.m.
The City Council meeting has been cancelled.
5:55 p.m.
The Fire Department has confirmed that three homes have been damaged. Fire Department resources are arriving from adjacent jurisdictions.
The City Emergency Operations Center has been activated at Malibu City Hall.
Cable service is out in parts of Malibu. Cable Channel 3 will be available at 6:30 on the City website at: http://malibu.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
______________________________________
A brush fire is burning near Bluffs Park South of PCH at Malibu Canyon. Sheriff's Department Personnel and Fire Personnel are on scene and handling. Traffic on PCH may be affected. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
Is that a typo?
A shelter???? You've got to be kidding! For these people??? I don't think so!! They'll be staying at "Hotels", thank you very much!
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