Up to 300,000 people were forced to flee their homes as the worst wildfires in Californian history rage through the US state.
The ‘Woolsey Fire’ swept through hills around Malibu, killing at least 31 people and decimating thousands of homes including those of some well-known celebrities.
Celebs took to social media to fret about their luxury homes being in harm’s way — and later, some returned home to find their houses had not been spared.
Singer Miley Cyrus shared an emotional message on Twitter revealing she had lost her home in the fire and urged people to donate to emergency services.
Completely devestated by the fires affecting my community. I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and LOVE OF MY LIFE made it out safely & that’s all that matters right now. My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family & friends stand strong. I am grateful for
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) November 12, 2018
300 actor Gerard Butler shared this startling photo, having returned to his Malibu home to find it had been destroyed by the fire:
Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at https://t.co/ei7c7F7cZx. pic.twitter.com/AcBcLtKmDU
— Gerard Butler (@GerardButler) November 11, 2018
Blurred Lines singer Robin Thicke and his girlfriend April Love Geary also lost their Malibu home, Geary documenting the damage on Instagram.
Thicke had purchased the house in 2014 for US $2.4m. Further photos show what’s now left of the home:
Giant chess pieces lay scattered at Thicke’s home. Picture: EPA/MIKE NELSONSource:AAP
Pictures show the Caitlyn Jenner’s remote Malibu hilltop home, which featured heavily in her docuseries I Am Cait, appeared to withstand the fire:
Smoking – but still standing. Picture: BACKGRIDSource:BackGrid
Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty said that her “heart” was “ripped apart” after learning that the property at which she married her husband had been destroyed in the fire.
Director Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Marvel’s Doctor Strange) also lost his home.
“What do you even do when this happens?” one of Derrickson’s followers asked him. “Keep on keepin’ on,” he replied.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and ex-wife to Kelsey Grammer, Camille Grammer lost her home.
The mansion used for filming of the US versions of the Bachelor and Bachelorettereality series is also thought to be under threat from fire. The series’ producers issued a statement saying that they “do not know the current status of the home. It is primarily a private residence, and our main concern is with the family who has been displaced, their neighbors, and all the communities impacted by this tragic fire. We thank the tireless efforts of the first responders here in Los Angeles County and across the State.”
One Direction singer Liam Payne, 25, revealed the mansion he bought in Calabasas near Malibu for $US12 million in 2015 was in the path of the fire. He said last night: ‘I’m about to lose my house and its memories. Even worse, tragically, people have died.”
A record dry spell combined with winds gusting up to 60mp/h have sent flames tearing from celebrity beach hamlet Malibu in the south to the town of Paradise in the north. Three separate fires have scorched more than 52,610ha, forcing President Donald Trump to declare a state of emergency.
Paradise, a picturesque town home to 27,000, 281.6km north of San Francisco, was almost totally destroyed.
Nine people from the town died including five who were burned alive in their cars as they attempted to flee down a wooded country road that was engulfed by flames.
Mr Trump’s initial response to the blaze shocked firefighters when he posted a bizarre tweet during his trip to France for Armistice commemorations.
“There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!” Mr Trump tweeted.
He later followed up by tweeting: “With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!”
Sheriff Kory Honea said: “The people in the cars weren’t able to get out. The flames overtook them.” Another 35 people from the town are missing feared dead while more than 6700 homes and businesses were incinerated.
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