Fires Blaze Through Southern California

Oct. 21, 2007 — -- Wildfires driven by powerful Santa Ana winds swept across Southern California Sunday, killing one person near San Diego, and destroying homes and commercial buildings.

Officials early Sunday evening local time gave no details on the death, but told the Associated Press that four firefighters as well as four other people were injured and taken to hospitals.

Flames were racing through the mountains before most people were out of bed early Sunday morning. Wildfires pushed by ferocious gusts of wind rushed towards the million-dollar homes and central shopping district of Malibu.

"The police and fire trucks came through," said resident Damien Leroy. "They were on megaphones screaming, 'Everybody leave,' and we were kind of holding our ground, getting everything out before we go."

About 500 firefighters worked to protect some 200 upscale Malibu homes from the out-of-control fires that charred at least 1,000 acres. The fires raced across the Pacific Coast Highway, closing the busy road and reaching the Pacific Ocean.

The strong winds carried burning embers thousands of feet, starting new fires.

A California landmark called Castle Kashan burned when embers blew in through a ventilation grate. The castle was destroyed.

The Malibu Presbyterian Church also was destroyed. Flames had reached the steeple before firefighters realized the church was threatened, and by that time it was too late to save.

There was a bit more luck at an elementary school. Aggressive firefighters managed to save the school even after it had started to burn.

Malibu's shopping center also briefly caught fire, and flames edged toward Pepperdine University, where students were evacuated from their dorms and brought to the cafeteria.

"There's an oxygen tank for people who are feeling the smoke in their lungs a lot," said one student. "And then they are handing out breathing masks so we can breathe safely in there."