Witnesses and Sheriff’s deputies said there is a probable gas leak at the strip mall in eastern Malibu that is home to the Country Kitchen, Malibu Divers, U.S. Postal Service and several other small businesses.
Each business has been evacuated. Architect Doug Burdge works in one of the affected buildings and said it smelled heavily of natural gas around 3 p.m.
“Everyone smelled it,” he said. “It was really strong and everyone just left on their own accord.”
Los Angeles County firefights and the Sheriff’s Department are on scene helping in the situation, according to Sgt. Bernard of the Malibu/Lost Hills station.
The Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works is also on scene, but a representative was not able to provide immediate comment on the situation. Check back as more information becomes available.