A ferocious fire tore through Malibu, California, on Tuesday, destroying homes and forcing thousands to evacuate one of the most sought-after areas in the United States.
Multimillion-dollar properties, some owned by Hollywood celebrities, were in the path of the blaze, which exploded overnight, fanned by powerful winds and tinder-dry brush.
Firefighters were struggling to get a foothold in the steep canyons that surround the tony enclave just outside Los Angeles, where towering flames were devouring hillsides, blanketing the air in choking smoke.
Door-to-door response –
Around 2,000 buildings in the eastern half of Malibu were under a compulsory evacuation order. People living in another 6,000 properties in the city were being advised to leave
By Tuesday afternoon, the fire had swelled to more than 2,600 acres (1,050 hectares) and was still raging out of control, with the National Weather Service posting a high-danger “red flag warning” because of powerful winds.
More than 700 firefighters were battling the blaze, aided by a fleet of water- and retardant-dropping aircraft, including Super Scoopers and tankers capable of dumping 1,200 gallons (4,500 liters) of retardant at a time.
Tens of thousands of people across southern California had their electricity cut off. Utilities frequently de-energize lines ahead of windy days to reduce the fire risk from downed power lines.
( Source: AFP)
