Update III: Not as bad as thought. See RECAP Below.
Update II: Looks like the count is 8 homes destroyed, 5 damaged and no injuries reported.
Update: Live TV Feed.
Breaking news: A wildfire threatens many celebrity homes in the Malibu Colony area.
Photo: A Structure fully engulfed in flames. Courtesy KTTV Fox News.
Update: Map of the Malibu Colony fire area:
RECAP: Only 4 homes with significant damage – one guest house destroyed. Many celebrities own homes in the area but no specifics on whether any of them received damage.
MALIBU, Calif. — A fast-moving but short-lived wildfire raced through an exclusive seaside neighborhood, destroying four homes and leaving ashes in the footprints of the mansions.
The fire Monday, fueled by Santa Ana winds, charred 20 acres (8 hectares), also destroyed a guest house and caused significant damage to four others, authorities said. One resident, who was not identified, was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters worked into Tuesday to douse hot spots left after flames ripped through this celebrity enclave. Celebrities including Mel Gibson, Pierce Brosnan, Pamela Anderson, Barbra Streisand, Ted Danson, David Geffen, and Courtney Cox-Arquette have homes in Malibu.
“The neighborhood looks like a war zone,” County Fire Chief Michael Freeman said. “Anything that was down there that could burn, did burn.”
Actress Victoria Principal was among the residents who rushed out to hose down their houses after the fire was reported about 5 p.m. Monday.
“She covered her house with water,” said Principal’s publicist, Alan Nierob, adding the actress’ home was not damaged.
The cause of the fire was under investigation. Arson investigators were at the scene, although fire officials stopped short of calling it suspicious. The blaze was contained by 8 p.m.
Late Monday, residents began returning to their homes, as an ocean breeze filtered the smoky air. A charred black Jaguar sat in front of the skeleton of a former mansion, and burned palm trees littered the street.
Fire officials did not release the names of property owners who lost homes.
The blaze burned near the Malibu Colony, one of the area’s original beachfront neighborhoods, dating to the 1930s. The densely built stretch of luxury homes has been a favorite of celebrities over the years.
Malibu has frequently been the scene of devastating fires. In 1993, hundreds of homes were lost and three people were killed. A 1996 fire injured 11 people and destroyed six homes.
“Red flag” fire danger warnings had been posted for much of Southern California because of strong north and northeast winds and low humidity.