Malibu wildfires destroy luxury homes

A wildfire driven by the dry, seasonal Santa Ana wind destroyed dozens of expensive homes as it raced through the canyons and hills above Malibu, California, today, forcing hundreds of residents to flee.

No injuries were reported.

The blaze, feeding on brush and trees, began shortly before 11.30am (Irish time) near Malibu Lake on state park land and had charred roughly 2,200 acres (890 hectares) by late morning, said Los Angeles County Fire Captain Mike Brown.

Fire officials estimated that about 35 homes were destroyed but the exact number was not known. TV images showed flames consuming large homes in the area of expensive properties. One home believed to be lost was valued at more than $2m (€1.34m).

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

About 500 firefighters were at work on the blaze, aided by 10 water-dropping helicopters, but had not contained any part of it by mid-morning. "We're at the mercy of the winds right now," Mr Brown said.