LOS ANGELES — After being overwhelmed a month ago, state officials positioned hundreds of firefighters, trucks and planes at strategic staging areas in a bigger-than-usual mobilization that probably saved homes and lives when a wildfire broke out in Malibu over Thanksgiving weekend.
Fifty-three homes were lost, but officials said it could have been worse if not for the preparations and a lucky break in the weather.
Fire officials routinely position crews in advance when hot, dry Santa Ana winds are forecast. But with memories of last month’s devastating Southern California fires still fresh, the mobilization this time was even larger.
The planning for the Thanksgiving winds began more than a week ahead of time, and by Thanksgiving Day, the forestry department had more than 3,000 additional firefighters in place on 400 engines, 89 hand crews and 28 bulldozer crews positioned across Southern California.
More than 100 aircraft also were waiting around the region, and dozens of inmates were ready to help clear fire lines.
By Monday evening, the Malibu fire was 97 percent contained, with full containment expected today.
