Malibu brush fire burns 7 acres, Mulholland Highway closed

MALIBU — A brush fire scorched about seven acres along the Malibu ridge line today, prompting the evacuation of some residents and campers, authorities said.

The brush fire has been downgraded from its original estimate of 20 acres, said Los Angeles County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Rey Dong.

• PHOTOS: Fire bus in heavy brush in Malibu

The fire, which started in the area of Mulholland Highway and Bardman Street, was reported at 2:55 a.m., Dong said. About 200 county firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the second alarm fire, Dong said.

The fire was buing in heavy brush, working its way uphill in some spots, and authorities shut down Mulholland Highway in both directions near the fire area, according to the Califoia Highway Patrol.

Residents of nearby homes were asked to evacuate, according to authorities. However, no mandatory evacuations have been ordered so far, Dong said.

News reports from the scene said campers at two camps were evacuated, including a self-evacuation at Camp Shalom involving 120 children.

Aerial water drops were being conducted by three water-dropping helicopters, Dong said.

The blaze drew fire crews from Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

No casualties were reported as of 5:30 a.m.

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