Hollywood Hills LA wildfires see stars lose homes including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and more
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLiveFive people have died and thousands more have lost their homes, including a number of Hollywood stars, as devastating wildfires continue to rip through Los Angeles.
More than 100,000 people have been evacuated from the area as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze, which broke out on Tuesday and quickly tore through the Pacific Palisades area which is the home of many A-list celebrities. It has been declared the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles, with more than 1,000 buildings having been destroyed in the flames and iconic tourist sites including the Hollywood Walk of Fame under threat.
The Palisades fire has burnt nearly 16,000 acres, with several other fires breaking out across southern California and threatening to destroy more homes and lives as they spread due to strong winds. The latest update saw a new fire break out in the Hollywood Hills, as stars shared their heartbreak after their homes were engulfed by the flames.
TV personality and singer Paris Hilton, When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal, The Princess Bride actor Cary Elwes, talk show host Ricki Lake and Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren are among those who have confirmed that their residences have been destroyed in the fires.
Paris 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. She called the loss "overwhelming", and said the home was filled with "precious memories" including Phoenix taking his first steps.
The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag also confirmed they had lost their home in the blaze. The pair, who married for the second time in 2009, documented the escalation of the fire on their Snapchat stories with Spencer saying: "I'm watching our house burn down on the security cameras."
Heidi said: "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."
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice said "words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing", in a statement to the PA news agency, following their home of 46 years being destroyed in the blaze.
Billy added: "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."
Dianne Warren confirmed she had also lost her beach home of 30 years in the wildfire, adding that her animals had survived the ordeal. And Cary Elwes told his followers on Instagram that his house was destroyed, adding that he and his family are "grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire".
Ricki Lake, who married her husband Ross Burningham in her Malibu "heaven on Earth" home, said on Instagram that the loss was "immeasurable". A string of other stars shared harrowing stories of having to flee their homes, including actors Mark Hamill and James Woods and singer and actress Mandy Moore.
Sharing footage of the destruction in her neighbourhood, the This Is Us actress 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, Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed her home was safe, but "our beloved neighbourhood is gone" as she shared videos of the fire on Instagram. More than 1,400 firefighters remain on the scene, alongside 267 fire engines and nine helicopters, according to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
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