If you are like most of us, you are worried about cultural sites and iconic buildings that may not have survived the fires that raged across Agoura HIlls, Malibu, Malibu canyons and parks, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Below is a brief list of the buildings, cultural sites, and historic structures that were destroyed, and some of those that were saved.
Latest update on the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Note: Due to the government shutdown, visitor services and other services may not be available and conditions are subject to change without notice.
Photos: Jane Simpson
Agoura Hills: The buildings on the Peter Strauss Ranch have been destroyed, according to the National Park Service.
The Western Town at Paramount Ranch was almost completely burned, with only the church and a train station surviving. There is a campaign being formed to restore these structures.
The Morrison Ranch house, a century-old ranch house featured in a number of films, has been completely destroyed (per MRCA).
Malibu: The Peach House, the most famous structure of Barbra Streisand's Malibu estate, which was donated to the state as open space, was completely destroyed . Four other buildings were saved in what is known as Ramirez Canyon Park (MRCA).
Malibu Canyons and Parks:
The Sepulveda Adobe, a 155-year old structure, is now just a shell (per Barbara Tejada of the CSP). The Adobe was built in 1863 by homesteaders. The Adobe survived the Northridge earthquake and was only recently restored.
M*A*S*H Set: The set of this iconic television series, located Malibu Creek State Park, has been destroyed (LA Times).
King Gillette Ranch: The Spanish Colonial complex, designed by Wallace Neff in 1929 and now a Visitor Center, suffered no damage in the fire. However, it is presently closed (per SMMC). The Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at the Gillette Ranch was not damaged. It is also closed at this time.
Malibu Wines and Saddle Rock Ranch: There was structural damage and multiple structures were destroyed. Some animals are missing.
Camp Hess Kramer and Camp Hilltop: Most buildings in these two locations were destroyed (NBC-LA).
Malibu Creek State Park: Much of the parkland burned, but the Visitor Center survived.
Simi Valley & Simi Hills: The Santa Susana Field Lab (formerly Rocketdyne Lab) was badly damaged by fire. Concerns have surfaced about radioactive waste. California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent investigation to determine if toxins were released by the flames.
References:
Chandler, Jenna, and Alissa Walker. "Woolsey Fire: Here's what burned--and what's still standing." Curbed: Los Angeles. November 21, 2018.