As wildfires ravage the upscale celebrity community of Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, more and more stars are reporting the loss of their homes.
Located between Santa Monica and Malibu, Pacific Palisades is approximately 20 miles from the iconic Hollywood sign. According to Realtor.com data, it boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the United States, with an average home price reaching $4.5 million.
Celebrity figures from the entertainment industry such as Mark Hamill, Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and James Woods have all reported losing their homes.
Additionally, several other actors have residences in Pacific Palisades, including Michael Keaton, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Bradley Cooper, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Miles Teller, and Eugene Levy.
The wildfire broke out in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday. Local officials have warned that the fire exhibits characteristics of “long-distance ignition, rapid spread, threat to structures, and strong wind propulsion.”
Due to the hazardous conditions brought by extreme winds, Southern California Edison (SCE) has shut off power in certain areas.
On Wednesday, the city of Malibu issued a public statement saying the wildfire is not yet under control and advised all residents to be prepared for evacuation if the situation worsens.
Later that day, Paris Hilton took to Instagram to express her heartbreak upon seeing news reports identifying her burned-down home in Malibu. She wrote, “Sitting with my family, watching the news, seeing our home in Malibu burnt to ashes is something no one should experience. In this home, we shared many precious memories.”
She continued, “Although the loss is unbearable, I’m grateful that my family and pets are all safe. My heart and prayers are with every family impacted by the fire.”
As more Los Angeles residents are being evacuated, “Star Wars” icon Mark Hamill shared on Instagram that he and his wife, along with their dog, left their home on Tuesday.
He wrote, “The evacuation in Malibu was very urgent as we approached the Pacific Coast Highway, surrounded by small fires on both sides.” Hamill described it as the “most terrifying wildfire since 1996.”
Oscar-nominated actor James Woods revealed on Twitter that after evacuating, he learned his recently renovated home was no longer standing as all his fire alarms went off simultaneously on his phone.
“The feeling of losing everything tests your soul,” the actor wrote. He also shared a video clip of his home taken before the fire destroyed it.
In multiple posts, Woods criticized the government, describing an incident where a fire captain admitted there were hardly any fire hydrants with enough water supply, and then the homes were consumed by fire.
Emmy-winning actor Billy Crystal and his wife recounted to People magazine that their home of 46 years had turned to ashes. “We raised our daughter and grandson here. Every inch of the house was filled with love, and these beautiful memories cannot be taken away.”
On Thursday night, “Halloween” actress Jamie Lee Curtis appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and shared her story of the disaster.
She mentioned that in this catastrophe, “many of my friends have lost their homes.”
Another affected actress is Kate Beckinsale. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, she wrote, “Last night I heard the wind and I prayed.”
“I knew it would be bad… but the extent of the devastation in all of Palisades is beyond belief,” she said, mourning the destruction of schools, shops, and restaurants in the community. “Pacific Palisades is a very unique community in Los Angeles, with many families having children and pets.”