Officials confirm that at least six major fires are currently active, causing widespread destruction and forcing several Hollywood celebrities, including Paris Hilton, to flee their homes.
According to the Associated Press, the fires have claimed at least five lives and destroyed over 1,000 buildings.
Fires continue to blaze in LA. Credit: Apu Gomes/Getty
Residents in the affected areas were evacuated under apocalyptic conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph.
The winds grounded firefighting aircraft on Tuesday night but operations resumed the following morning, offering some hope in the battle against the devastation.
Among those affected are a number of high-profile Hollywood figures who shared their heartbreak and updates on social media, per BBC News.
Billy CrystalActor Billy Crystal revealed that his family home, which he and his wife Janice had lived in since 1979, was reduced to rubble, apart from the tennis courts.
In a statement, Crystal said: “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.”
Billy Crystal has lost his home. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty
Mark HamillMark Hamill, known for portraying Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, described his evacuation from Malibu as “last-minute”. He noted seeing “small fires” on both sides of the road as he escaped to the Pacific Coast Highway. Hamill called it the “most horrific fire” he had witnessed in over 30 years.
Jamie Lee CurtisActress Jamie Lee Curtis also evacuated her home. On Instagram, she wrote: “My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well. There are so many conflicting reports. With all the technology there seems to be very little information. PLEASE POST FACTS! IT WILL HELP THOSE WONDERING!”
In a later update, Curtis confirmed her home was safe.
Paris Hilton shared her devastation on Instagram after losing her Malibu home.
“Heartbroken beyond words. Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.
“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 is safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.
“To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heart aches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.
Other stars confirmed to have lost their homes include:
- Maria Shriver
- Cameron Mathison
- James Woods
- Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
- Ricki Lake
- Sandra Lee
- Eugene Levy
- John Goodman
Officials have attributed the fires’ intensity to strong winds and prolonged drought, exacerbated by climate change.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emphasized that increased heat and dry conditions are key factors in the growing frequency of wildfires in the western United States.
