MALIBU, Calif.—California fire officials are confirming a wildfire that has been spreading rapidly through the canyons and hills above Malibu has destroyed several homes.
Like Colorado, California has experienced unusually warm and windy fall weather. Northcom, the Colorado-based homeland security wing of the military, has sent planes to help fight fall wildfires in southern California.
Residents were ordered to evacuate from about 100 homes after the blaze broke out early this morning. TV images show a number of homes nestled in the hills engulfed by flames, but officials haven’t been able to give an exact number.
The fire has been stoked by a return of dry Santa Ana winds, which have been pushing the blaze downhill toward the Pacific Ocean. Fire officials say some 400 acres of state park land south of Malibu Lake has burned. About 200 firefighters are on the scene and are being aided by four water-dropping helicopters. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Hundreds of firefighters have been placed on watch this weekend as Santa Ana winds return to Southern California. Gusts of up to 60 miles per hour were reported in some mountain passes overnight.
