Investigators seek cause of Malibu fire that destroyed 5 homes, damaged 6 others

Wednesday, January 10th 2007, 6:21 am

By: News On 6

MALIBU, Calif (AP) _ Investigators were trying determine what caused a wind-whipped fire that roared through a tony beachfront neighborhood and destroyed five homes, including one belonging to Suzanne Somers.

The point of origin of the blaze was believed to be above a park along Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief P. Michael Freeman said Tuesday.

``At this point nothing is being ruled out in terms of the cause,'' he said.

Monday's sunset blaze, driven by Santa Ana winds, was blown downslope from Malibu Bluffs Park over about 20 acres and across Malibu Road along the beach, destroying five homes and damaging six others including a guest house, authorities said.

One woman was transported to a hospital after suffering smoke inhalation, but there were no other injuries. Damages were estimated at $60 million.

Besides the winds, firefighters struggled with the oceanfront homes' decks and pillars.

``We had firefighters crawling on their bellies, dragging hoses underneath decks ... to save these homes you still see standing,'' Freeman said.

For those that weren't, Somers and other homeowners returned to sift through charred rubble.

``It was a beautiful house, it was a beautiful place to live,'' the actress told reporters Tuesday. ``We'll rebuild.'' In addition to the cause, officials were concerned about why the fire spread from the park's natural area into homes. Celebrity-studded Malibu stretches 21 miles along the seaward side of the rugged Santa Monica Mountains west of Los Angeles.

Mayor Ken Kearsley said locals have long objected to state restrictions that limit the amount of brush that can be cleared away from homes in many parts of the city to 100 feet to preserve vegetation and wildlife. He said a state fire commission recommended 300 feet.

A message seeking comment from the state Coastal Commission was not immediately returned Tuesday.

Kearsley wouldn't say if he thought the restrictions led to the fire's spread, but he voiced concern that other areas of the city could be in danger.

``It's absolutely frustrating,'' Kearsley said. ``As far as the city is concerned, homeowners are first. It's our responsibility to protect life and property.''

Malibu's history includes a 1993 inferno that burned hundreds of homes and killed three people. Since then, the city has taken steps to deal with natural disasters, including hiring an emergency coordinator and saving $10 million to rebuild any infrastructure destroyed by fire or floods.

The city also set up caches of food and supplies in different areas and an emergency operations center. It practices emergency scenarios several times a year.

In the fire area Tuesday, retiree Howard Smith, 65, was relieved to find his home damaged but still largely untouched by the flames that gutted his neighbor's house.

Part of his guest house burned, beams over a patio were blackened and a wicker outdoor couch looked melted.

``I think that's history,'' Smith said, pointing to the couch. ``But hey, it's minor ... compared to next door I feel very lucky, very fortunate.''