Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal among celebs whose homes have been destroyed in Los Angeles wildfires

Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal have spoken of their heartbreak after losing their family homes in the "unprecedented wildfires" currently devastating Los Angeles. Thousands of firefighters are battling to control the original Palisades fire, which has already consumed nearly 16,000 acres, along with seven other fires across southern California.

These fires pose a further threat to homes and lives as strong winds scatter embers. The city has declared a state of emergency, with around 70,000 people forced to evacuate their homes as the metropolitan area is engulfed in smoke and ash.

A new fire has now broken out in the Hollywood Hills, endangering numerous tourist attractions including the Walk of Fame.

US socialite Hilton said she was “heartbroken beyond words” to see her Malibu home “burn to the ground on live TV” as she watched the news with her family – including her son Phoenix and daughter London whom she shares with husband Carter Reum.

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“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,” she said in a post on Instagram.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe.”

US actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice have confirmed that their home of 46 years was destroyed in the recent wildfire. "Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing," the couple said in a joint statement given to the PA news agency.

"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.”

The couple described the Pacific Palisades as a "resilient community of amazing people", adding: "It is our home".

This comes after Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren confirmed she had also lost her beach home of 30 years in the wildfire, adding that her animals had survived the ordeal.

A number of stars shared harrowing stories of having to flee their homes, including Mark Hamill, James Woods and Mandy Moore. Star Wars actor Hamill said his family were "fleeing for our lives" as they evacuated their home, while Once Upon A Time In America star Woods said: "It tests your soul, losing everything at once."

Sharing footage of the destruction in her neighbourhood, This Is Us actress Moore wrote on Instagram: "Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family.

"My children’s school is gone. Our favourite restaurants, levelled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together."

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed her home was safe, but said "our beloved neighbourhood is gone", as she took to Instagram to share footage of the devastation. Stars from 'The Hills', Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, experienced a total loss when they reported that their house had been caught in the fire.

The duo got remarried in 2009 and shared the frightening escalation of the inferno via their Snapchat accounts. Pratt grimly noted: "I’m watching our house burn down on the security cameras."

Montag followed up by expressing regret over what she wished she'd taken from the house, but emphasized safety first, saying "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."

She later emotionally revealed how saddened she was because "I’m so sad our house has gone" and lamented the loss of "everything we worked so hard for".

Amid these personal stories, Khloe Kardashian showed her appreciation for the front-line workers, with a heartfelt message on social media platform X, celebrating the courageous efforts of "brave firefighters, volunteers, neighbours, good Samaritans and first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and communities across California".

She commended them, saying "Your dedication, courage, and selflessness in the face of such challenging conditions are truly inspiring. We are all so grateful for your hard work and sacrifices."

Actor Adam Sandler also expressed his gratitude, writing on X: "Can’t thank the firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement enough for risking their lives for all of us in Los Angeles."

Earlier, Governor Gavin Newsom had thanked President Joe Biden for his "swift response and aid to California as we work to battle these unprecedented wildfires". The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services reported that more than 1,400 firefighters were still battling the blaze, supported by 267 fire engines and nine helicopters.

The recent wildfire is the second major incident in the area in less than a month, following the Franklin Fire that burned over 4,000 acres in Malibu, prompting evacuations, including those of celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke, Cher, and Jane Seymour.