Winds lessen, but fires running wild

Matthew Fordhal

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

MALIBU, Calif. -- The powerful, erratic winds that propelled flames through 35,000 acres of Southern California weakened today, giving firefighters a chance to contain the destructive wildfires.

Four major fires, spread by gusts up to 71 mph and fueled by oil-rich eucalyptus trees, have destroyed more than 100 homes in Malibu and other communities since Monday.

Six firefighters were badly burned Tuesday when a flare-up caught them on their stalled truck in a Malibu canyon.

One firefighter was in critical condition today with burns over 70 percent of his body. Doctors said the 52-year-old man may not survive.

Another was listed in fair condition with 25 percent of his body burned. A civilian burned Monday in a San Diego County fire also was in critical condition.

The wildfires, driven by the helter-skelter Santa Ana winds, exploded across four counties Monday, chasing thousands of people from homes, schools and businesses.

Forecasters called for sustained winds of just 10-20 mph today, with even less wind by afternoon. Stronger winds, however, could return this weekend, forecasters said.

Gov. Pete Wilson declared a state of emergency in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties. There also was damage in San Bernardino County. Wilson asked President Clinton for a federal declaration to enable victims to qualify for disaster aid.

The Malibu fire was the largest of four major blazes, scorching about 14,000 acres and destroying at least six homes. Among those fleeing the celebrity enclave was actress Loretta Swit of the TV series "M*A*S*H."

"This was very scary. When I opened my door, I was surrounded by flames, the smoke was so thick you couldn't keep your eyes open," she told the syndicated TV show "Access Hollywood."

The town hardest hit by the wildfires was Carlsbad, in northern San Diego County, where flames destroyed at least 98 houses. Many residents returning Tuesday found homes reduced to charred hulks.

"I saw the news and they were standing in the rubble of our home," said Lou Stark.

Margaret Anne Lozuk clutched her teenage daughter's blackened jacket and pointed to a smudged cheerleader outfit in the driveway.

"She was supposed to cheer Friday night. She's so upset," Lozuk said.

Another 10 homes were destroyed and 19 damaged in the exclusive Lemon Heights section of Orange County, and one home was destroyed in San Bernardino County.

Marine volunteers were sent from Camp Pendleton to help firefighters. Huge air tankers bombed the flames with water sucked from the ocean and reservoirs, joined by cargo-hauling helicopters fitted with big water tanks.

Eleven aircraft made repeated flights near Malibu, including two Air National Guard C-130s, each dumping 27,000 pounds of fire retardant.

Other wildfires included:

* A 9,000-acre southern San Diego County blaze in the Otay Mountain area at the U.S.-Mexico border. No structures were threatened, officials said.

* A 1,800-acre blaze on the Rincon Indian Reservation in northern San Diego County. Six structures were destroyed, said Carol Stein of the California Department of Forestry. Full containment was expected by tonight.

* A 1,040-acre fire in Big Sur's Los Padres National Forest flared up again after being almost completely contained Monday. Firefighters said they had it about 60 percent contained.