One of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history is tearing its way through the county and destroying many celebrities‘ homes.
The wildfire, which broke out on Tuesday morning, is currently scorching over 17,000 acres. It exploded between Malibu and Santa Monica with zero containment, high winds, and arid conditions fueling the disaster across thousands of acres of land. Due to the fire rapidly expanding, firefighters have been unable to contain it as they are battling five across LA: Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Sunset.
The Los Angeles Times has reported five confirmed deaths so far and more than 100,000 residents are under evacuation orders. More than 2,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings have also been destroyed in the fire. The neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in Southern California has been completely evacuated. CNN’s Leigh Waldman reported from the scene: “Everyone keeps saying ‘apocalyptic,’ but that doesn’t begin to cover it.” The largest fire, in the Pacific Palisades area, where many celebrities reside has meant many are dealing with the consequences of the fires.
Find out what stars have been affected below:
Paris Hilton
Amongst the A-listers is Paris Hilton, who witnessed her Malibu home – where she lived with her husband Carter Reum, son Phoenix, and daughter London – burning to the ground on live TV. The reality star shared on Instagram she was ‘heartbroken beyond words,’ adding: “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.”
Billy Crystal
The When Harry Met Sally… actor added: “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. We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders.”
Eugene Levy
Schitt’s Creek actor Eugene Levy was forced to evacuate his home after finding himself stuck in gridlock and intense smoke. Levy told The LA Times: “The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon, I couldn’t see any flames but the smoke was very dark.” It has now been confirmed that the actor has lost his home to the flames.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Sir Anthony Hopkins, known for playing Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, has lost his home, with just the foundations of the house remaining. The actor nearly lost his home to the 2018 Woosley Fire in Los Angeles and previously lost a house in Kensington, London, to a fire, per MailOnline.
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
The Hills stars Heidi Montag and her husband Spencer Pratt’s home has burnt down in the California wildfires, which they’ve documented through social media.
The couple and their two sons safely evacuated earlier in the day.
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
Nobody Wants This star Adam Brody and his Gossip Girl actress wife Leighton Meester have also had their $6.5 million house burn down in the devastating wildfires. They purchased the home in 2019 and raised their two young children there.
According to the BBC, Casino actor James Wood, Roseanne star John Goodman, Scary Movie‘s Anna Faris, The Princess Bride actor Cary Elwes, TV host Ricki Lake, Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller, and Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, and actor and TV host Cameron Mathison have also lost their homes in the wildfire. Officials believe the fires have been caused by high winds and drought in the area, as it makes the vegetation dry and very easy to burn. Many have also cited climate change being a probable impact. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear. Officials are advising residents to evacuate immediately and stay informed on the fires’ movements.
