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by Suzanne_Marques from Los Angeles

Last Post 21 days, 16 hours Ago


Beverly Hills Fire
Apr 13, 2007 | 1:54 PM
Category: News
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The wind was so brutal Wednesday, firefighters had a hard time predicting which way the fire would go, because the air would whip up and then jerk into another direction.  Ash was everywhere. 

Even with 10 water dropping helicopters, they obviously can't flood the air and ground, so dangerous stray pieces of burning ash would fly when the wind swept in and upwards, placing the embers on homes that were already set high on hillsides.

When we drove into the area, 200 people were evacuated.  Neighbors were gathered together, some of them had their pets wrapped in towels in their arms.  I even saw one baby carriage with a dog sitting in it. 

The homeowners asked us how many homes were burning, if the fire was out or if it was spreading.

I felt for them, forced to sit and wait while their mind raced and worried.  They weren't getting any updates from television or radio, because they were standing on streetcorners with solely the clothes on their backs. 

Some people may wonder if a fire is handled differently in such a rich neighborhood.  I don't know about the firefighting side - there were 10 water-dropping helicopters and 200 firefighters. 

The homeowners I met didn't recieve special treatment.  One woman told me when firefighters came to her door, she wanted to go back and get her palm pilot and her blackberry, but the firefighter told her, evacuate now means now! 

Those who stayed in their homes tried to ask firefighters questions, but the fire crews' main focus was on putting out the fire and making sure everything was safe.  It looked like it was handled similiarly to other fires I've covered.

The homes were indeed huge and historic.  You couldn't see many from the street because they were set back so far, down long driveways.  Some of the homes in the area date back to the early days of Beverly Hills.  One homeowner told me her house was owned originally by Harry Warner of Warner Brothers, built in the 1920's.  Robert Evans' home was said to be one of the first homes built in the area.

The good news is that no one was injured in the fire.  I wish we had learned more about the home that burned and the people who lived there.  It was a sad sight to see the house gutted.  Neighbors told me an elderly man lived there.  I don't know if he was home during the fire.

I am eager to discover what caused the fire.  Firefighters said it didn't start at a house, and with it being such a dry and windy day, it was a terrible time to happen.  The fire could have been much worse if it had gone unnoticed for too long.

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Member Comments Total Comments: 12
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samo714 read my blog view my photos
Apr 13, 2007 | 7:45 PM

well i think that everyone should be treated the same when it comes to situtations like that. it's dealing with life or death, every second counts, and theres no time to get things like a blackberry.

i know the law is a bit more friendly with the rich. if they weren't 1/2 of hollywood would be behind bars right now. but they get off with a slap on the wrist (if even that).

it must be hard to cover news like that, or whenever someones life is destroyed. i don't know how you guys can keep your emotions in check on the camera. i guess all you guys could hope for after a tragic story is a uplifting story. well take care.

p.s. you look great in the dorothy outfit.
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 14, 2007 | 1:11 PM

Robet Evans home was one of the first to be built in the neighborhood...

How'd that fire start?

Reminds me of the time Richard Prior ran down the street with his hair on fire.



Chhhhhhh...up in smoke!
fox11newsreporter read my blog view my photos
Apr 15, 2007 | 10:51 AM

HI Suzanne How Are You well im Okay Hope All is Good
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 15, 2007 | 11:46 PM

It's difficult to have any sympathy for Beverly Hills residents who have such entitlements.

They all have other properties like homes in Malibu, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Paris and London.

So...don't you dare feel sorry for these arrogant A-holes.

Like Suzanne Sommers whose luxury beach house was burned to the ground on Malibu Rd.

The insurance company will be building her a nicer home with newer amenities.

In the mean time, Suzanne Sommers and family will be living at one of their many luxurious homes throughout the world.
samo714 read my blog view my photos
Apr 16, 2007 | 5:56 PM

they might have other homes to live in, but that doesn't mean they didn't lose things that money can't buy. old family photos, heir looms, and all the memories they shared with their love ones. money could never replace that.
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 17, 2007 | 11:36 AM

With all due respect samo....This is how the other half lives.

I went to Bonner School on San Vicente with the Hamel/Sommers kids in 1970. Then to Brentwood School after that. Not bragging...Just got lucky.

Worked in Malibu most of the 80's and had direct contact with a lot of them. Helped countless residents during the Malibu fires. I didn't ask for anything...I was just doing my job, but I made specific observations.

People in the upper echelon of the socio economic spectrum house some seriously cold hearted persons. It seems that the more money they have,the more worried they are about losing it.

There are a few exceptions to this rule...but not many.

The only reason celebrities do charity events is because of the guilty feeling which becomes overwhelming. Their agents and publicity people schedule all of these events as a business and publicity ploy.

Most of them are so wealthy that they have enough money to feed their family for ten generations. Either they are bored with an ideal life or they feel guilty about having that much money.

They look down at us common folk as pedestrians...that's all. You are their servants.

Those people may bleed the same as us, but their heads are up in the clouds and could care less about you and me.

If you want to feel bad about them losing some trinkets, fobs, bobbles and mementos...have at it.

beep
ddain read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2007 | 12:36 PM

I don't have such angst against those who have a lot of money like you do, beeper. They lost things that money can't replace, no matter how much of it you have. It sounds like you're jealous that they have more than you do, and you know what? There are a lot of people who are like that, and there are a lot of people in this world who have less. There's no reason to have a lack of sympathy for either group when a disaster that they couldn't prevent hits them.
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2007 | 3:42 PM

It's a total war on the middle class...The middle class status quo is slipping. That's why people feel like this. I like to blame it on the elite.

Just the facts...That type of pain is insignificant to those who are well insulated.

Hey, I attend the Elizabeth Glazer functions at the Wadsworth from time to time. I like having dinner and attending auctions with these people. They are more interesting to talk with, and dinner flies by. They have much better stories than I do.
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2007 | 3:49 PM

Applause...Applause...Applause...


Hayah!!!verbal judo...you're down!!!!
ddain read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2007 | 4:13 PM

I'd be down if you made some sort of valid point, which you didn't.

You've got the typical liberal attitude of punishing those who have the dough so those that don't can feel good about themselves. Hey, if you got it, you probably did something somewhere to deserve, and I say good for you. And whatever comes your way, comes your way, rich or poor.

Bam! Kick to the groin. You're down and out. You didn't see that one because it came from the Right.
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 18, 2007 | 7:50 PM

Do you also think that leberal topics have "no valid point" regardless of credibility?

Republicans say that liberals vacillate, and their decisions are based on whichever way the wind is blowing...I call it being prepared, completing your homework, and 'doing the right thing,' which Republicans know nothing about.

If you stick to that 'no valid point' thing, then you have negated your own argument, which makes it a mute point.

Apparently our experiences differ...And I respect that. How bout I meet some of those nuevo riche that you know? I may be enlightened, find a new found respect or have an epiphany...

I need to associate with a better class of people. The Antelope Valley sucks.
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Apr 19, 2007 | 5:50 PM

Your right cross is limp compared to my left jab!

I feel like a dog marking his territory right here at MYFOXL.A.


If we lived in a kitchen and you were a midget, I'd put all your food on the top shelf...

"beep-beep"
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Suzanne_Marques

Suzanne Marques is a native Southlander. She loves reporting in her hometown. She loves LA... She loves it!

Member Since: 7/18/2006


 

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