[img]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20071124&t=2&i=2275789&w=&r=2007-11-24T195748Z_01_N24348529_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE0[/img]
Smoke drifts out over the Pacific Ocean from a fast-spreading wildfire that has destroyed a dozen homes in Malibu, California November 24, 2007. The latest fire to hit this seaside enclave started early this morning with Santa Ana winds fueling fires that use dry terrain as their source. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the Malibu area.

[img width=228 height=320]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20071124&t=2&i=2275790&w=&r=2007-11-24T195748Z_01_N24348529_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE1[/img]
A firefighter monitors a flare up as crews work to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu, California November 24, 2007

[img]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20071124&t=2&i=2275792&w=&r=2007-11-24T195748Z_01_N24348529_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE2[/img]
Smoke drifts out over the Pacific Ocean from a fast-spreading wildfire that has destroyed a dozen homes in Malibu,

[img]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20071124&t=2&i=2275793&w=&r=2007-11-24T195748Z_01_N24348529_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE3[/img]
A helicopter makes a water drop as firefighters work to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu, California

[img]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20071124&t=2&i=2275794&w=&r=2007-11-24T195748Z_01_N24348529_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE4[/img]
A burnt structure is seen as firefighters work to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu

[img]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20071124&t=2&i=2275795&w=&r=2007-11-24T195748Z_01_N24348529_RTRUKOP_0_PICTURE5[/img]
Firefighters monitor the situation as they work to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu

_©Reuters

in 2 woorden.... niet best :'( :'(

5 Named Suspects In Setting Malibu Fire
Cops Believe Carelessness At Party Spot Lead To Wildfire That Burned 50 Homes

Arrest warrants have been issued for five men accused of causing a Malibu fire that destroyed more than 50 homes and caused over $100 million in losses, Sheriff Lee Baca said Thursday. Baca said investigators used surveillance video, receipts and food wrappers to track down the men who were believed to have been at the cave where the fire started. "As adults we have always taught our children to be aware of the perils of fire," Baca said during a news conference. "In this case adults and fire and carelessness...are things that led to this crime." Baca identified the men as Brian Allen Anderson, 22; William Thomas Coppock, 23; Brian David Franks, 27; Eric Matthew Ullman, 18; and 19-year-old Dean Allen Lavorante. Baca said the men, all from the Los Angeles area, were suspected of recklessly causing a fire with bodily injury, causing fire to an inhabited structure and arson during an emergency. Baca said each charged carried two to four years of prison time if convicted.

Earlier, Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said arson investigators found several pieces of evidence that indicated revelers had triggered the blaze by setting a campfire at a popular party spot by a cave in Corral Canyon, which abuts Malibu Creek State Park. The evidence included food wrappers and bundles of chopped wood. A review of security tape from a nearby store's camera and other detective work that took investigators as far away as Shasta County, on the Oregon border, led to the suspects being identified, Whitmore said.

In all, the wildfire destroyed 53 homes, 33 outbuildings, one mobile home and 37 vehicles. Another 34 homes and 11 outbuildings were damaged. No one was seriously injured. The fire broke out Nov. 24 and took several days to contain.

_{© MMVII The Associated Press.}