Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal are among celebrities who have lost their family homes in the "unprecedented wildfires" currently ravaging Los Angeles.
Thousands of firefighters are battling to control the original Palisades fire, which has already consumed nearly 16,000 acres, along with seven other fires across southern California that threaten to cause further destruction and loss of life as strong winds spread embers. At least five people have died.
The city has declared a state of emergency, forcing at least 70,000 people to evacuate their homes as the metropolitan area is engulfed in a thick cloud of smoke and ash. A new fire has now broken out in the Hollywood Hills, posing a threat to numerous tourist attractions including the Walk of Fame.
US socialite Hilton expressed her devastation at watching her Malibu home "burn to the ground on live TV" as she watched the news with her family – including her son Phoenix and daughter London whom she shares with husband Carter Reum.
"This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London. While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe," the 43-year-old woman said in an Instagram post.
This comes just months after a trailer on the set of her Bad Bitch Academy music video caught fire, resulting in the loss of "so many of my favourite things destroyed", Hilton revealed at the time.
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PA Archive/PA Images)US actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice are grappling with the loss of their 46-year home following a devastating fire. In a heartfelt statement shared with PA news agency, they expressed their deep sadness: "Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing," said the couple.
"Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this."
They paid homage to their community, saying the Pacific Palisades is a "resilient community of amazing people", and affirmed their strong ties to the area: "It is our home". The tragic news comes as Diane Warren, an Oscar-winning songwriter, also revealed she had lost her beach house where she'd lived for three decades. Thankfully, her animals were reported safe.
A number of celebrities have recounted their own distressing experiences during the fires. Mark Hamill, star of Star Wars, recalled how his family was "fleeing for our lives" while evacuating their home.
James Woods, known from 'Once Upon A Time In America,' reflected on the emotional toll, remarking: "It tests your soul, losing everything at once."
Mandy Moore of 'This Is Us' took to Instagram with footage of the widespread devastation, sharing her state of disbelief: "Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family."
"My children’s school is gone. Our favourite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together."
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Getty Images)In the meantime, Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed her home was safe, but mourned the loss of her "beloved neighbourhood" as she shared footage of the fire on Instagram. Reality TV stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag also revealed they had lost their home in the inferno.
The couple, who tied the knot for the second time in 2009, chronicled the progression of the fire on their Snapchat stories, with Pratt stating: "I’m watching our house burn down on the security cameras."
Montag expressed: "So our house is on fire and we were able to get out in time, but I keep going over and over in my mind of the things I should’ve got, but we’re out safe and that is the most important thing, and Spencer is behind me."
Later, she tearfully admitted: "I’m so sad our house has gone" as they had lost "everything we worked so hard for". This comes after Governor Gavin Newsom expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for his "swift response and aid to California as we work to battle these unprecedented wildfires".
More than 1,400 firefighters remained at the scene, supported by 267 fire engines and nine helicopters, as reported by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
This incident follows less than a month after Malibu residents were forced to evacuate due to the Franklin Fire, a wind-driven blaze that scorched over 4,000 acres. Celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke, Cher and Jane Seymour were among those who had to abandon their homes.
English (US) ·