Raging 200-acre fire in Calabasas threatens thousands of homes

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Raging brush fire in Calabasas threatens homes
A brush fire in Calabasas threatened several homes and structures as crews battled the flames.

CALABASAS, Calif. -- Crews were responding to a raging 200-acre brush fire in Calabasas that threatened thousands of homes and buildings on Saturday.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the fire at about 4:10 p.m. Capt. Keith Mora stated the initial call was for a car crash into a power pole with power lines down. Firefighters in the field reported seeing power lines down also.

According to Mora, there were three start points of the fire, and officials believed all three were caused by downed power lines.

Officials said 5,000 people were evacuated from 3,000 homes. Air7HD captured flames touching some buildings.

Fire officials stated Camp Wildcraft, a new campground set to open for the first time on June 13, appeared to be a complete loss.

Shari Davis of Camp Wildcraft said while the camp portion may be heavily damaged, the oldest home in Calabasas, the Masson Residence, was saved by firefighters.

The fire caused evacuations in Calabasas Highlands, Eddingham and Adamsville neighborhoods, officials said. If evacuated, authorities urged residents to head to Agoura High School located at 28545 W Driver Avenue in Agoura Hills.

The City of Calabasas stated horses and large animals were to be evacuated to Pierce College, while small animals, like dogs and cats, were to be evacuated to the Agoura Animal Shelter.

The California Highway Patrol announced that Topanga Canyon Boulevard between the Pacific Coast Highway and Cezanne Avenue would be closed until further notice.

ABC7 viewers reported seeing smoke from miles away.

DEVELOPING: We will add more details to this report as they become available.