Calabasas Pumpkin festival closes down, Malibu fire still 'out of control' (UPDATE)

By Karyn Chenoweth Oct 21, 2007, 18:12 GMT

The Malibu wildfire is reaching neighboring Monte Nido just shy of Calabasas as winds which are blowing at hurricane strength, pushing the fire all thoughout Malibu Canyon.  Local news ABC 7 reports Malibu Canyon road (Las Virgenes Road at the Calabasas-Malibu city line) is shut down except to local residents who are urged to listen to local news for evacuation updates.

ABC 7 reports that Local Malibu events, and services are disrupted, Malibu Presbyterian Church has burned down, reports claiming 3-4 homes in the Colony, as well as an animal clinic so far.  Several other houses have burned too including the famous Malibu Castle house, visible from PCH.

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 City of Calabasas has shut down the annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival -   canceled due to the Malibu brushfire and high winds, according to Sgt. Philip Brooks of the Sheriff's Malibu/Lost Hills station.

TMZ.com reports that the MTA Line 534, which runs along Pacific Coast Highway, has been halted, according to transit agency spokeswoman Gayle Anderson.