"MALIBU, Calif. — Thousands of Southern California residents were under evacuation orders and warnings Tuesday as firefighters battled a wind-driven wildfire in Malibu that burned near celebrities’ seaside mansions, horse farms and Pepperdine University, where students watched as flames raced down hillsides and the sky turned deep red.

A “minimal number” of homes burned, but the exact amount wasn’t immediately known, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone said. An Associated Press photographer witnessed at least one house and a car engulfed in flames.

More than 8,100 homes and other structures were under threat late Monday, including more than 2,000 where residents were ordered to evacuate — some of whom fled on foot with their horses. Another 6,000 people were warned to be prepared to flee at a moment’s notice as Santa Ana winds with gusts reached 40 mph (64 kph) and made for erratic fire conditions."

Jae Hong, Eric Thayer and Christopher Weber report for the Associated Press December 10, 2024. [2]