WASHINGTON: Wildfires have wreaked havoc across California, particularly in the greater Los Angeles area, leading to at least 10 fatalities and the destruction of approximately 10,000 homes and structures since the disaster began earlier this week.
The fires, which spread rapidly, have especially impacted the Hollywood Hills region. Among the blaze’s casualties are several prominent Hollywood celebrities who have lost their homes, including comedian Billy Crystal and actor Mel Gibson. Crystal lamented the loss of his Pacific Palisades residence of 44 years, calling it a heartbreaking experience shared with his family. “We are heartbroken of course, but with the love of our children and friends, we will get through this,” he stated.
Mel Gibson, currently working in Austin, Texas, expressed his devastation at losing his long-time residence, sharing, “It’s kind of devastating. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff…now it’s all in cinders.”
Veteran actor Jeff Bridges also confirmed he lost his Malibu home in the flames, as did television personality Paris Hilton, who detailed her distress after watching the destruction unfold live on television. “The heartbreak is truly indescribable,” she mentioned on social media. Other notable personalities affected include Cary Elwes, Mandy Moore, and Milo Ventimiglia, who all shared their unsettling experiences through social media.
In addition to the well-known losses, reports have emerged of homes belonging to other stars such as Leighton Meester and John Goodman being damaged or destroyed, though many remain silent on their experiences. Local media indicated that Eugene Levy, who plays a lead role in Schitt’s Creek, has also likely seen his property affected.
As firefighting resources are stretched thin, residents in affected neighborhoods like Altadena worry that limited assistance may be unevenly distributed, with wealthier areas potentially receiving priority over less affluent communities. “You’re going to have some folks who are not going to get what they deserve,” cautioned Inez Moore, whose family home was also destroyed.
Amid these devastating events, social media fueled rumors about the Hollywood sign being engulfed in flames. However, this has been confirmed as false; Jeff Zarrinnam, chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust, assured the public that the sign remained intact and unharmed. The images circulating online are believed to have been artificially generated.
Agencies