Malibu, Calif., Faces Wildfires, Again

For the second time in a little more than a month, residents in Malibu, Calif., faced destruction caused by wildfires.

The coastal community had been recovering from October’s 4,565-acre Canyon Fire that destroyed six homes and two businesses when the winds began whipping up again on Nov. 24.

Hundreds of firefighters and equipment from throughout the state had been positioned in Southern California because of predicted Santa Ana winds. Residents said they are accustomed to the potential fire danger when the strong gusts blow.

According to Air Worldwide, the canyons where the fires occurred are dotted with multimillion-dollar homes amid tinder-dry brush, and the Thanksgiving weekend fire — dubbed the Corral Fire — was Malibu’s worst in nearly 15 years.

Fifteen helicopters and 15 airplanes attacked from the air while 1,700 firefighters battled flames on the ground.

Investigators have determined that the fire was caused by humans but are unsure if it was started intentionally, said county Fire Inspector Rick Dominguez.

Malibu is prone to Santa Ana-driven wildfires. Among them was a 1993 blaze that destroyed 388 structures, including 268 homes, and killed three people.

Santa Anas, triggered by high pressure over the Great Basin, blow into Southern California from the north and northeast, racing down through the canyons and passes of the region’s east-west mountain ranges and out to sea, pushing back the normal flow of moist ocean air.

“Like the wildfires that scorched Southern California in October, the Corral Fire was fueled by Santa Ana winds … and very low humidity,” said Dr. Tomas Girnius, research scientist at AIR Worldwide. “The fire forced thousands to evacuate, ravaged 4,900 acres, and destroyed more than 50 homes and damaged more than 30 others. Despite the wreckage, the loss of property was less than might have been expected.”

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Fire Department is warning residents that fire season is far from over.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.