Fire danger diminishes in Southern California even as crews continue to battle Malibu blaze

Associated Press

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Weather conditions have improved enough in Southern California for forecasters to say that the worst of the high winds that drove a wildfire through part of Malibu have passed. That’s expected to help firefighters in their battle against the fire that has forced up to 20,000 people from their homes. The blaze grew to more than 6 square miles. It was not immediately known how the fire started. Malibu is a community of about 10,000 people on the western edge of Los Angeles renowned for its stunning scenery of seaside bluffs and Zuma Beach featured in Hollywood films. Celebrities, including performers Cher and Dick Van Dyke, were among the evacuees.