MALIBU (KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO) -- Water dumping helicopters worked to save a campsite filled with more than 200 people near Malibu Creek State Park on Friday, as a fast-moving fire broke out and ruined 4th of July celebrations for park-goers. And firefighters managed to essentially put it out within about three hours.
The fire burned near the historic King Gillette Ranch, centerpiece of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
It broke out at about 3:30 Friday afternoon, reportedly as a resident worked on a mobile home next to a landmark Hindu temple.
The temple was not damaged, as the fire burned along the eastside of Las Virgenes Road. But the flames did jump that road, and burn hear a campground entrance.
More than 55 campsites were filled to capacity at the time, and everyone in those areas was told to leave immediately.
A bulldozer crew and numerous fire trucks worked to save the historic Gillette Ranch headquarters, built by the shaving blade magnet in 1925.
Fire patrols were kept in the area through the night, to guard against any flareups.
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