AP News, January 9th, 2007
A fire fanned by Santa Ana winds burned 10 structures in an oceanside neighborhood Monday as it spread over two acres in this celebrity enclave, authorities said.
About 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, said Los Angeles County fire Inspector Ron Haralson.
It was not certain what type of structures were ablaze, but they were probably homes, Inspector Sam Padilla said.
Winds were blowing at 21 mph when the blaze erupted about 5 p.m. 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 flames blowing down seaside slopes toward shoreline homes. Winds appeared to be blowing the fire toward the ocean.
"It's so windy out there, it's kind of scary," said Roberto Cardenas, an employee at Coogies Beach Cafe.
Malibu has frequently been the scene of devastating fires, with its steep, brushy canyons funneling winds into luxurious neighborhoods where Pacific views draw movie stars and millionaires. In 1993, hundreds of homes were lost and three people were killed. A 1996 fire injured 11 people and destroyed six homes.
"We've been seeing firetrucks screaming by," said Mike Gibson, manager of Diedrich Coffee, just over the hill from the fire.
The fire was less than a mile from Pepperdine University, but there was no immediate threat, said spokeswoman Molly Drobnick. "It's less than a mile away. There is quite a few flames. It's a pretty big fire."
Red flag warnings had been posted for much of Southern California because of strong north and northeast winds and low humidity.
