BURNOUT: None of the fires that have...

BURNOUT: None of the fires that have ripped through the San Fernando Valley since 1970 can hold a candle to the infernos of the past week. Whereas this year’s blazes destroyed 731 homes and scorched 167,595 acres across six counties, the closest local fire in size was a horrific one in September, 1970, that destroyed 400 homes from Newhall to Malibu. But that fire caused 10 deaths, and this year’s fires have so far not been blamed for killing anyone.

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ON WITH THE SHOW: Plans to convert a landmark cinema into a theater and arts center are marching ahead in Glendale, despite a slowdown in building and civic projects in other cities. Renovation of the Alex Theater is expected to cost $6.5 million and be completed by Nov. 15 (B1). . . . The city hopes to raise half a million dollars in donations for the project by the end of the year. If you donate $25,000 or more, you’ll get a plaque.

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MICHAEL-ANGEL-OH?: Northridge sculptor Russell Michael crafted a security gate for accused Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss that provided her both the privacy she desperately needed and the artistic beauty she expected. . . . As the gate was constructed, Michael and Fleiss struck up a friendship, and these days the alleged madam to the stars is helping Michael expand his business. Not bad for an artist who earned $200,000 last year (B5).

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COMING UP ROSES: Ecologists say the blaze that charred hills and destroyed homes in the Santa Monica Mountains also might have sparked a bumper crop of wildflowers. Before the fire, there was so much brush that seeds were forced to wait for decades beneath the soil before they could grow, scientists said. Now there’s nothing to stop them from bursting out all over (B3). . . . “This spring ought to be beautiful,” said Rose Rumball-Petre, a natural resource specialist with the National Park Service.

Famous Valley Fires

September, 1970: 400 structures destroyed, 10 people killed between Newhall and Malibu.

October, 1978: 230 structures destroyed, 33,000 acres from Malibu to Agoura to Mandeville Canyon.

December, 1988: 20 hoes destroyed, 50 damaged, 2,670 acres burned in Porter Ranch.

June, 1990: 46 homes destroyed, 20 damaged in Glendale.

Source: Times Archives; U.S. Forest Service