The wildfires have seen the city declare a state of emergency, with at least 70,000 people forced to evacuate their homes as the metropolitan area became blanketed in a thick cloud of smoke and ash
Oscar-winning lyricist Diane Warren has lost her home of 30 years to the catastrophic wildfires tearing through Los Angeles.
The songstress, who has written nine number-one songs, expressed her sorrow as the wildfires ravaged her beach house near Pacific Palisades, west of LA. Several celebrities have lost their homes in the natural disaster, which has killed at least five people.
Thousands of firefighters are locked in a battle to reign in the original blaze which has scorched close to 16,000 acres, amidst five other raging fires in southern California that pose further threats to homes and lives as powerful gusts help spread the flames.
The inferno has forced LA into a state of emergency, with an estimated 70,000 residents fleeing their properties, leaving the city shrouded in a thick haze of smoke and ash. Warren, 68, shared on Instagram: “This is the last pic I took of Leah’s rock from my beach house. I’ve had this house for almost 30 years. It looks like it was lost in the fire last night. There’s a rainbow shining on it which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Warren, who has written for Cher and Celine Dion, reassured her followers about the safety of animals at a rescue ranch. She added: “The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”
The disaster is hitting star-studded areas like Calabasas and Santa Monica, neighborhoods to icons such as Mark Hamill, James Woods and Mandy Moore.
Hamill shared the terror of evacuating his home with his family saying they were “fleeing for our lives”, while Woods reflected on the challenge, stating: “It tests your soul, losing everything at once”.
Mandy Moore has expressed her disbelief and numbness on Instagram as she shared the extent of the devastation caused by wildfires in her community: “Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family.”
She lamented the loss of familiar places and the impact on friends and loved ones: “My children’s school is gone. Our favourite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, the Academy Award-winning actress, took to Instagram to report that while her home was spared, the neighbourhood she cherishes has been destroyed.
Reality TV personalities Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag from ‘The Hills’ revealed the heartbreaking news that they had lost their home to the fires. The couple, who tied the knot again in 2009, shared the progression of the disaster on Snapchat.
Pratt captured the moment their house was engulfed in flames through their security cameras, stating: “I’m watching our house burn down on the security cameras.”
Montag conveyed the urgency of their escape and the regret over what was left behind: “So our house is on fire and we were able to get out in time, but I keep going over and over in my mind of the things I should’ve got, but we’re out safe and that is the most important thing, and Spencer is behind me.”
In a subsequent emotional update, she mourned the loss of their home and possessions: “I’m so sad our house has gone” and reflected on the loss of “everything we worked so hard for”.
Governor Gavin Newsom has extended gratitude towards President Joe Biden for the prompt federal assistance provided to California amidst these catastrophic wildfires.
The battle against the flames continues with over 1,400 firefighters, 267 fire engines, and nine helicopters deployed, as reported by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
This incident follows a wind-driven inferno known as the Franklin Fire that ravaged Malibu less than a month ago. The fire, which consumed more than 4,000 acres, led to the evacuation of residents including celebrities like Dick Van Dyke, Cher and Jane Seymour.