Posted on 11/24/2007 4:37:19 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Celebrities flee, homes gutted as wildfire ravages Malibu Nov 24 05:47 PM US/Eastern Hollywood stars were among nearly 10,000 people forced to flee as wind-driven wildfires tore through the celebrity enclave of Malibu on Saturday, gutting at least 35 multi-million dollar homes and threatening hundreds more, officials and reports said.
Fires erupted at around 3:30 am (1130 GMT) officials said, spreading rapidly through tinder-dry brush as winds packing gusts of up to 50 mph fanned the inferno, the second major blaze to hit Malibu in the space of a month.
By 10:30 am (1830 GMT), around 2,200 acres had been scorched as the flames burned unchecked, Los Angeles County Fire Department officials said.
Around 1,700 firefighters had been deployed to tackle the fires, backed up by 23 aircraft including water-dropping helicopters and a DC-10 which was pummeling the infernos with flame retardant.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky told a press conference 10,000 residents had been evacuated. Only one injury had been reported so far, a firefighter who received burns which were not thought serious, he added.
Local media reports said actors Matthew McConaughey and Minnie Driver were among those forced to evacuate while Red Hot Chili Peppers bass guitarist Flea's home was destroyed by the flames.
Yaroslavsky said winds blowing across the region had begun to ease later Saturday, offering encouragement to firefighters. However he warned the situation could change rapidly.
"It's a very dynamic and dangerous situation," he told reporters. "The winds have died down but we need to caution everyone that winds can start again in a hurry. It does not mean people are out of danger.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
My adopted son’s house burned to the ground last year in November. It has been a nightmare for them. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Prayers go out for all who are affected.
If it is their politics (and I agree it is) that upsets you...keep on point. When their house is burning is NOT the time to call them out. I can't stand the left more than anyone, but this is NOT the time.
P.S. Get back to me when you've cross-checked all their addresses to see which houses are liberal-socialists owned.
You know what? I believe that, too. I am sorry about your friend; assuming he didn’t make it?
I thought a few times about moving to New Mexico because I love the terrain, the canyons, Rio Grande gorge etcetera, but.....
High crime, mysterious happenings, something of a no-man’s-land about parts of it. Risky.
Btw, most of the CA transplants you get are not natives from here.
Of course, Mr. Maigrey might have some serious problems with this arrangement..... LOLOL!
Welcome to FreeRepublic jackass — run by Californians from California. Why don’t you tell us what state you are from and we can have a discussion.
I am beginning to wonder if “conservative” is such a good thing if it means heartless.
That was from your hero, Klinton
"What about the ban on removing brush around property?"
The law requires removal of brush within 100 feet of a residence. Any more brilliant vomit?
Thank you. Just simple, plain human concern is so refreshing.
And so few brain cells.
I'm sorry but I've done no such thing. Now tell me again why my home or the home of Jim Robinson, founder of Free Republic should burn down?
My daughter lives there.
However, I won't fly commercial.
Hell, every time I go to the airport, the dogs light up from all the primer residue in my pickup, I would never be allowed to actually get on an airplane.
Given the number of fires out there this year, sounds like friendly Flea's family flees fires frequently
He might keep you up at night with the bongo playing.
The train goes through Albuquerque. I like the train better myself.
That first photo doesn’t look like So. Cal, wrong kind of trees. Where are the digger pines? Those look like Jeffrey pine.
I didn’t claim to ‘distribute’ retribution; but I do recognize it when it happens.
Thanks for posting the pics!
How incredibly sad to see such a beautiful home burn.
Just think of the prescious memories inside it.
One thing, though...I believe the first pic was taken in Colorado during their horrific fires some years ago.
I know I’ve seen it before. ;o)
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