The California wildfires are wreaking havoc in Los Angeles, with at least 10 lives claimed by the devastating blazes and more casualties expected as the situation worsens.
Amidst the smoke and charred remains of Pacific Palisades, the destructive fires have obliterated thousands of residences, including homes of the rich and famous.
Chaos has descended upon the area, with reports confirming incidents of looting while rescue teams navigate through the extensive damage. The streets once bustling with life are now a portrait of desolation after being ravaged by the inferno.
The disaster did not discriminate against nationality, either; British stars who sought the Californian dream are counting losses as their homes and possessions turn to ash. Both British singer Mark Owen of Take That fame and veteran actor Anthony Hopkins have been affected by the widespread destruction, reports the Express.
Anthony Hopkins
Welsh actor Hopkins' $6million mansion in Pacific Palisades, bought in 2021, has been reduced to mere remnants. Despite owning a splendid colonial-style abode boasting four bedrooms and five bathrooms, all that is left is a perimeter of soot-covered debris and a damaged fence.
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)Cary Elwes
The Princess Bride icon Cary Elwes has shared the heartbreaking news that his Malibu residence has been claimed by the wildfires after being forced to evacuate earlier this week. He captured the harrowing scenes on video as he escaped in his car.
Elwes took to social media to inform his followers: "Sadly, we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire."
He went on: "Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also wish to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it. We want to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support. It really means a great deal to us."
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams and his spouse Ayda Field had plans to offload their lavish £51.6million LA estate in 2024, yet the wildfires have not spared them from turmoil.
The premiere of Robbie's biopic Better Man was set to take place this week, but fears over the raging fires led to its cancellation. To add to their woes, the house belonging to Ayda's parents is feared lost to the flames.
Robbie and Ayda found themselves seeking refuge in a hotel amidst the "chaos". Meanwhile, Ayda's mother, who is fighting cervical cancer, is confronted with the dual challenges of ongoing chemotherapy and the potential loss of her home.
Ayda revealed the devastating impact of the disaster, saying: "It's chaos here it looks like some kind of warzone and it's just all so sad. I've had about ten people evacuated with me including my dad, who has potentially lost his house.
"We're waiting to hear whether he has in fact lost everything and my mum has chemo early tomorrow too."
Image:
FilmMagic)Mark Owen
Take That's Mark Owen is among those affected by the catastrophic fires, having been forced to leave his home with no certainty it will survive.
His wife Emma took to Instagram to share their plight: "Thank you for all your messages and checking in. I can't quite comprehend what happened here, but we are safe. The hurricane-force winds and lack of water have meant the fire has spread catastrophically fast and taken much of our beloved area with it. Schools, homes, shops, and stables are all gone."
"We woke up to helicopters, thick black smoke, winds howling, and the uncertainty that our house would survive. I wish I had packed better. Even if I had just grabbed each of their baby shoes, it would have been something," she went on.
Emma added: "So many have lost everything, pets included. And it's nowhere near over. Three active fires are blazing around us, and there is not enough water to manage the situation. Planes are grounded due to the winds.
Image:
Getty Images)Image:
Getty Images)"I'm not sure what our next step is. Right now, I'm just heavy and tired. We are beyond grateful to the heroes at @losangelesfiredepartment for all they do during these times. They work tirelessly to save homes and lives under catastrophic conditions. We see you. Climate change is real, and it's apocalyptic when it strikes."
Emma and Mark have sought refuge in separate locations, with Emma holing up in a hotel with her two daughters and pets, while Mark has stayed put at his music studio with the "two bigger dogs and the cats".
Emma further shared: "We managed to get the horse to safety, although the horse might have to be rescued again because where they were moved to is now under threat."
Patsy Palmer
EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer was left "heartbroken" as fires ravaged LA, writing: "My heart is broken. My brain is fried today looking at the devastating scenes of the fires AGAIN in my hometown. I just returned home to my home in case after the fires a couple of weeks ago and left on Saturday back to work in the UK and now this."
Image:
Getty Images)Alice Evans
Ioan Gruffudd's ex-wife Alice Evans has also prepared to leave her LA home, revealing she has "packed bags".
She said this week: "My family are safe but lots of my friends have lost their homes again which is extremely traumatic. Being here so far away is really really hard. I'm praying and crying as I write this. I'm helpless here but praying hard. Please reach out if you need anything. Richard and kids are there safe and evacuated."
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