Malibu's Hodge Castle completely destroyed by fire
The Malibu landmark Hodge Castle is engulfed in flames at this time -- and reports say it has been completely destroyed.
Hodge Castle, also known as Malibu Castle and owned by socialite Lilly Lawrence, is known for hosting numerous charity events over the years.
The castle was also home to a collection of priceless Elvis Presley memorabilia. The nearby Malibu Presbyterian Church was also destroyed by flames.
Completely engulfed and burning to the ground is the Malibu Castle, home to many philanthropic events over the years and a local landmark.
Also known as Hodges Castle, located at 23800 Malibu Crest Drive, it was built by a doctor from 1977 to 1979 and has been the location for two episodes of the Rockford Files TV show as well as the movie The Ring of Musketeers, starring David Hasselhoff.
The worst news is that the fire has jumped Pacific Coast Highway towards the ocean where the densest area of residential homes are located.
Swirling offshore Santa Ana winds with
gusts up to 60 mph are making it impossible for firefighters to determine the direction of fire, which is hopscotching around Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road.High voltage power lines fell because of high winds overnight in the area and sparked the blaze.
Low humidity, and temps well over 10 to 20 degrees above normal for the next few days will put firefighters on a defensive position.
Fire evacuees are being urged to go to Zuma Beach, the site of a teen beach blanket movie by the same name from 1978 starring Suzanne Somers who lost her home in the last Malibu fire.
