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Wildfire Threatens Luxury Malibu Homes

Last Edited: Sunday, 21 Oct 2007, 2:30 PM EDT

Created: Sunday, 21 Oct 2007, 1:30 PM EDT

10/21/2007 -- A wildfire is raging in the Malibu Hills, an upscale area of California that attracts A-list film stars. The flames have already destroyed a spectacular property named Castle Kashan that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Fanned by strong winds, the blaze is forcing the evacuation of hundreds from their luxury homes. Some 400 firefighters are battling against the wildfire, which is also posing a threat to Pepperdine University. Students were told to gather in the university's basketball arena as the campus was evacuated. At least 500 acres of land has been engulfed and the Pacific Coast Highway has been closed. Television footage showed thick smoke obscuring the sun and erratic wind gusts of up to 65 mph bending palm trees nearly in half. Cars and trees along the highway could be seen catching fire. Wildfires were widely expected in Southern California over the weekend as hot weather and high winds marked the height of traditional wildfire season after one of the driest rain years on record. ....

I was awakened at 5:10am by a police officer with a megaphone blasting into my window "This is the Los Angeles Police Department. You must leave your residence now. Please evacuate. There is a fire very near by. Please EVACUATE".

I grabbed my dog, threw on pair of jeans, pulled on my Uggs, grabbed my passport and headed out the door...basically still asleep. Power in Malibu was out. I still don't know what I tossed into my backpack...most likely one sock and my least favorite pair of underwear. Wind was so strong as I drove aimlessly down the PCH, trash cans were flying across the highway in front of me. Street signs were hanging off of their poles, lit only by my headlights and the passing firetrucks.

I'm OK. We're OK. My possessions....not so sure, but who cares? The "Castle Kashan" mentioned in the above article is right above my house. The Malibu Presbyterian Church showed in the photo above is...or was located right below my house. I heard that the house on the corner (4 doors down) burned to the ground. The fire is still burning.

Perspective. I'm so grateful to have friends that care. I am sitting on Taylor's floor watching the news as she is kind enough to send an email out to folks letting them know me and the dog are OK. Her mom made pancakes (my favorite thing) and coffee. I've been phoned, text messaged, emailed by so many of you, I feel like the luckiest girl alive. Thank you.

Much love.

To be continued....