Calif. Wildfires Rage As Winds Increase - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

James"Thunder"Early · 10-22-2007, 10:25 AM

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/...n3390044.shtml

Calif. Wildfires Rage As Winds Increase
MALIBU, Calif., Oct. 22, 2007(CBS/AP) From the high desert to the Pacific Ocean, out-of-control wildfires engulfed swaths of drought-parched Southern California, claiming one life, destroying several homes and a church in Malibu, and forcing an entire community to evacuate.

Thousands more homes remained at risk as hot, dry Santa Ana desert winds, with some gusts over 100 mph, continued to churn into the region early Monday.

Firefighters started the weekend on high alert as forecasters warned of strong winds. But by Sunday night, they had to admit they were overwhelmed.

"You do not expect something to stretch our resources to this magnitude," Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Sam Padilla said. "To try and staff something this big, you cannot predict it."

"It's like an apocalypse," a resident told CBS' The Early Show. "It's really quite shocking."

The Malibu fire was among about a dozen blazes that burned more than 35,000 acres from north of Santa Barbara to San Diego. Late Sunday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in seven Southern California counties.

"There's going to be literally thousands of homes that are going to be threatened, based on the movement of the fire," Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said.

The fire briefly surrounded Pepperdine University, forcing students to take shelter in the gym, reports CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker. The strong Santa Ana winds have also created firestorms in other communities. Horses were let out to avoid being overrun.

60 Minutes: Scott Pelley reports how climate change and decades of forestry mistakes have created conditions for out-of-control mega fires.

Things weren't improving Monday: Two new wildfires broke out in San Diego county, bringing to four the number of blazes burning there.

One person died in a fire near San Diego, which burned more than 14,000 acres - or about 22 square miles - about 70 miles southeast of San Diego, just north of the Mexican border town of Tecate, California Department of Forestry spokesman Matt Streck said. Details were not immediately available.

Four firefighters and at least 10 other people were hospitalized, Streck said. Some of the injured were hikers, and others may be illegal immigrants.

Another blaze devoured more than 5,000 acres in northern San Diego County and forced the evacuation of the community of Ramona, which has a population of about 36,000.

Several structures were burned on the edge of town and sheriff's deputies called residents to alert them the fire was approaching the city, said San Diego sheriff's Lt. Phil Brust.

In Malibu, about 700 firefighters worked to protect hundreds of homes in several upscale communities nestled in the hills. About 1,500 people were evacuated.

The blaze destroyed the Malibu Presbyterian Church. "It's devastating," Pastor Greg Hughes told Whitaker. "This is a building that is filled with memories, over 50 years of memories."

One of the homes consumed by flames was the landmark Castle Kashan, a stately fortress-like home with turrets and arched windows. Chunks of brick fell from the exterior of the burning building overlooking the coast.

No residents or firefighters were injured, Fire Chief Freeman said.

The Hodge castle was a Malibu landmark. The $14 million stone and brick home sat on a hilltop overlooking the California coast. The castle belonged to Lilly Lawrence, the daughter of a former Iranian oil minister. She said she was able to gather a few things before the fire engulfed her home.

Countless heirlooms and priceless antiques were lost but the firemen did manage to save photos and Elvis Presley memorabilia, reports CBS National News correspondent Hattie Kauffman.

Winds carried embers across the Pacific Coast Highway, closing the popular road and setting fire to cars and trees in the parking lot of a shopping center where a supermarket, drug store and other shops were damaged.

"This fire is zero percent contained, which means we're at the mercy of the wind," acting Malibu Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich said Sunday.

In all, five homes and two commercial buildings had been confirmed lost throughout the Malibu area, Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said. Nine more homes were damaged, he said.

The fire is expected to burn for another two to three days, he said. Until the blaze is extinguished, "there will literally be thousands of homes that will be threatened at one time or another," he said.

The fire may have been started by downed power lines, Capt. Mike Brown said.

"This is a conflagration we knew was going to come at some point," Los Angeles County Zen Yaroslavsky said at a Malibu press conference Sunday, noting Southern California's ongoing dry spell. "We were cruising for a bruising. We are very, very lucky as we stand here tonight that the damage has been as limited as it has been."

Malibu, home to about 13,000 people, including many celebrities, stretches along 27 miles of Pacific coastline. Last January, a wildfire driven by Santa Ana winds destroyed the home of actress Suzanne Somers and three other multimillion-dollar residences.

The community also is home to about 25 rehabilitation facilities, including Promises Residential Treatment Center, whose guests have included Britney Spears, Ben Affleck, Charlie Sheen, Diana Ross and Matthew Perry.

© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Penny Lane · 10-22-2007, 03:26 PM

I saw films of this on the morning news. Whew! I hope that they can get it under control!

Ireneparalegal · 10-22-2007, 04:52 PM

We are surrounded by fires. Our county is on the state of emergency list. We have two fires going on in nearby towns. In fact, because of the fierce winds, a downed power line caused a fire on an empty lot here in our city. We had a another downed power line that caused one of our major streets (Highway 1) to be partially shut down. It is crazy. Trees are toppling over, palm fronds are everywhere (hear me Tara!!!!!

).

freshprinceofLA · 10-22-2007, 04:54 PM

Yea saw this on the news this morning. It was really sad to see. Didn't suzanne Sommer's house burn down in a fire like this last year anyone know what I'm talking about??

Ireneparalegal · 10-22-2007, 04:56 PM

It was earlier in the year that Suzanne's house burned down in Malibu. I think that fire was started by an arsonist.

mc_light1202 · 10-22-2007, 05:35 PM

My parents live in one of the cities that was evacuated. It's not pretty, and the winds continue to build speed making things worse. Not a good sign. I heard that the fires in Malibu were started by downed power lines. Who knows, it seems every year some fire bug or some idiot that doesn't know how to dispose of a cigarett ruins hundreds of acres.

friendcarr · 10-22-2007, 05:53 PM

LT of the Chargers had to evacuate.

catlover79 · 10-22-2007, 06:31 PM

I have friends in CA, thankfully they are further north. I hope the fires are contained soon and that the residents are all OK.

Ireneparalegal · 10-22-2007, 06:57 PM

We have continuous news coverage on three of the major news channels and I can't believe how many fires are out of control in so many parts of So. Cal.

These Santa Ana winds are horrible. What makes it horrible is that the winds are hot, but with these fires roaring nearby, we have to keep the windows and doors shut to keep the dust, ash and smoke out of here, but still, my house is filled with grit. So, it is uncomfortable to be inside while it is hot outside.

James"Thunder"Early · 10-22-2007, 10:34 PM

There are at least 16 fires burning in Southern California now. I don't think there has ever been this many at one time, it's scary. The fire in Orange County has been declared an arson.

Ireneparalegal · 10-22-2007, 10:45 PM

Man, these winds just don't give up. For a moment it seemed to calm down but nope, here they are fierce as ever.

I Love John Ritter · 10-22-2007, 11:30 PM

These fires are insane. San Diego is on fire, literally. It's so eeire to go outside--all you hear is abulences. Scary. The wind needs to die down.

Fleet · 10-23-2007, 12:03 AM

It is really dry outside.
Here in Northridge, the Weather Channel website shows (at 9:00 PM) 77 degrees, 7% humidity and a 6 degree dewpoint.

catlover79 · 10-23-2007, 12:08 AM

Stay safe, you guys...keep checking in.

Max Whittaker · 10-23-2007, 02:03 AM

Makes me wish I was there. I should have updated my red card certification earlier this year when I had the chance...

10-22-2007, 10:25 AM	#1
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	Calif. Wildfires Rage As Winds Increase http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/...n3390044.shtml Calif. Wildfires Rage As Winds Increase MALIBU, Calif., Oct. 22, 2007(CBS/AP) From the high desert to the Pacific Ocean, out-of-control wildfires engulfed swaths of drought-parched Southern California, claiming one life, destroying several homes and a church in Malibu, and forcing an entire community to evacuate. Thousands more homes remained at risk as hot, dry Santa Ana desert winds, with some gusts over 100 mph, continued to churn into the region early Monday. Firefighters started the weekend on high alert as forecasters warned of strong winds. But by Sunday night, they had to admit they were overwhelmed. "You do not expect something to stretch our resources to this magnitude," Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Sam Padilla said. "To try and staff something this big, you cannot predict it." "It's like an apocalypse," a resident told CBS' The Early Show. "It's really quite shocking." The Malibu fire was among about a dozen blazes that burned more than 35,000 acres from north of Santa Barbara to San Diego. Late Sunday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in seven Southern California counties. "There's going to be literally thousands of homes that are going to be threatened, based on the movement of the fire," Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said. The fire briefly surrounded Pepperdine University, forcing students to take shelter in the gym, reports CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker. The strong Santa Ana winds have also created firestorms in other communities. Horses were let out to avoid being overrun. 60 Minutes: Scott Pelley reports how climate change and decades of forestry mistakes have created conditions for out-of-control mega fires. Things weren't improving Monday: Two new wildfires broke out in San Diego county, bringing to four the number of blazes burning there. One person died in a fire near San Diego, which burned more than 14,000 acres - or about 22 square miles - about 70 miles southeast of San Diego, just north of the Mexican border town of Tecate, California Department of Forestry spokesman Matt Streck said. Details were not immediately available. Four firefighters and at least 10 other people were hospitalized, Streck said. Some of the injured were hikers, and others may be illegal immigrants. Another blaze devoured more than 5,000 acres in northern San Diego County and forced the evacuation of the community of Ramona, which has a population of about 36,000. Several structures were burned on the edge of town and sheriff's deputies called residents to alert them the fire was approaching the city, said San Diego sheriff's Lt. Phil Brust. In Malibu, about 700 firefighters worked to protect hundreds of homes in several upscale communities nestled in the hills. About 1,500 people were evacuated. The blaze destroyed the Malibu Presbyterian Church. "It's devastating," Pastor Greg Hughes told Whitaker. "This is a building that is filled with memories, over 50 years of memories." One of the homes consumed by flames was the landmark Castle Kashan, a stately fortress-like home with turrets and arched windows. Chunks of brick fell from the exterior of the burning building overlooking the coast. No residents or firefighters were injured, Fire Chief Freeman said. The Hodge castle was a Malibu landmark. The $14 million stone and brick home sat on a hilltop overlooking the California coast. The castle belonged to Lilly Lawrence, the daughter of a former Iranian oil minister. She said she was able to gather a few things before the fire engulfed her home. Countless heirlooms and priceless antiques were lost but the firemen did manage to save photos and Elvis Presley memorabilia, reports CBS National News correspondent Hattie Kauffman. Winds carried embers across the Pacific Coast Highway, closing the popular road and setting fire to cars and trees in the parking lot of a shopping center where a supermarket, drug store and other shops were damaged. "This fire is zero percent contained, which means we're at the mercy of the wind," acting Malibu Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich said Sunday. In all, five homes and two commercial buildings had been confirmed lost throughout the Malibu area, Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said. Nine more homes were damaged, he said. The fire is expected to burn for another two to three days, he said. Until the blaze is extinguished, "there will literally be thousands of homes that will be threatened at one time or another," he said. The fire may have been started by downed power lines, Capt. Mike Brown said. "This is a conflagration we knew was going to come at some point," Los Angeles County Zen Yaroslavsky said at a Malibu press conference Sunday, noting Southern California's ongoing dry spell. "We were cruising for a bruising. We are very, very lucky as we stand here tonight that the damage has been as limited as it has been." Malibu, home to about 13,000 people, including many celebrities, stretches along 27 miles of Pacific coastline. Last January, a wildfire driven by Santa Ana winds destroyed the home of actress Suzanne Somers and three other multimillion-dollar residences. The community also is home to about 25 rehabilitation facilities, including Promises Residential Treatment Center, whose guests have included Britney Spears, Ben Affleck, Charlie Sheen, Diana Ross and Matthew Perry. © MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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10-22-2007, 03:26 PM	#2
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,260	I saw films of this on the morning news. Whew! I hope that they can get it under control!
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10-22-2007, 04:52 PM	#3
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	We are surrounded by fires. Our county is on the state of emergency list. We have two fires going on in nearby towns. In fact, because of the fierce winds, a downed power line caused a fire on an empty lot here in our city. We had a another downed power line that caused one of our major streets (Highway 1) to be partially shut down. It is crazy. Trees are toppling over, palm fronds are everywhere (hear me Tara!!!!! ).
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10-22-2007, 04:54 PM	#4
freshprinceofLA The Bosses Senior Member Join Date: Aug 09, 2005 Location: A small town in: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,810	Yea saw this on the news this morning. It was really sad to see. Didn't suzanne Sommer's house burn down in a fire like this last year anyone know what I'm talking about??
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10-22-2007, 05:53 PM	#7
friendcarr Dallas Cowboys 6-1 Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 04, 2007 Location: kansas Posts: 382	LT of the Chargers had to evacuate.
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10-22-2007, 04:56 PM	#5
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	It was earlier in the year that Suzanne's house burned down in Malibu. I think that fire was started by an arsonist.

10-22-2007, 05:35 PM	#6
mc_light1202 "Ideas are wishes unfulfilled" Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 01, 2006 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 151	My parents live in one of the cities that was evacuated. It's not pretty, and the winds continue to build speed making things worse. Not a good sign. I heard that the fires in Malibu were started by downed power lines. Who knows, it seems every year some fire bug or some idiot that doesn't know how to dispose of a cigarett ruins hundreds of acres.

10-22-2007, 06:31 PM	#8
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I have friends in CA, thankfully they are further north. I hope the fires are contained soon and that the residents are all OK.
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10-22-2007, 06:57 PM	#9
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	We have continuous news coverage on three of the major news channels and I can't believe how many fires are out of control in so many parts of So. Cal. These Santa Ana winds are horrible. What makes it horrible is that the winds are hot, but with these fires roaring nearby, we have to keep the windows and doors shut to keep the dust, ash and smoke out of here, but still, my house is filled with grit. So, it is uncomfortable to be inside while it is hot outside.

10-22-2007, 10:34 PM	#10
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	There are at least 16 fires burning in Southern California now. I don't think there has ever been this many at one time, it's scary. The fire in Orange County has been declared an arson.

10-22-2007, 10:45 PM	#11
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Man, these winds just don't give up. For a moment it seemed to calm down but nope, here they are fierce as ever.

10-22-2007, 11:30 PM	#12
I Love John Ritter Miss ya, John Senior Member Join Date: Apr 06, 2004 Location: In John Ritter's arms Posts: 2,687	These fires are insane. San Diego is on fire, literally. It's so eeire to go outside--all you hear is abulences. Scary. The wind needs to die down.
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10-23-2007, 12:03 AM	#13
Fleet Mansions, limousines & H-ween Forum Star Join Date: Jan 06, 2002 Location: Northridge/Porter Ranch, California Posts: 15,625	It is really dry outside. Here in Northridge, the Weather Channel website shows (at 9:00 PM) 77 degrees, 7% humidity and a 6 degree dewpoint.
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10-23-2007, 12:08 AM	#14
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Stay safe, you guys...keep checking in.

10-23-2007, 02:03 AM	#15
Max Whittaker I want Serenity back Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 30, 2001 Posts: 6,180	Makes me wish I was there. I should have updated my red card certification earlier this year when I had the chance...
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