Wildfires have long been a grim reality in California, with Los Angeles among the areas most vulnerable to these devastating blazes.
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Massive wildfires once again ravage the region, fuelled by strong winds and exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions in Los Angeles.
As firefighters battle around the clock, entire neighbourhoods – including the Palisades, an affluent area dotted with celebrity homes – have been reduced to ashes. As per BBC reporter Christal Hayes, “It’s utter chaos in Hollywood – streets are gridlocked and people carry whatever belongings they can under a blanket of thick smoke.”
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As per the BBC, five people have lost their lives and more than 137,000 people have been evacuated in what has been dubbed the most destructive wildfire in LA’s history. The six ongoing wildfires have not only tragically displaced thousands of residents but also engulfed several homes, including those of some of Hollywood’s A-listers.
High-profile evacuations made headlines, with celebrities sharing their heartbreak and support for their communities on social media. Hollywood events, including red-carpet premieres and award show rehearsals, have been cancelled, reports state.
Hollywood celebrities speak up amidst tragic wildfires in LA
Homes belonging to Hollywood actors Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, Ricki Lake, Eugene Levy, John Goodman, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Crystal have been lost to the blaze, while A-listers including Jamie-Lee Curtis, Chris Pratt, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Beckinsale, Jennifer Love Hewwit and Ben Affleck have been evacuated from their homes.
Taking to social media to address fellow community members affected by the tragic wildfires, Hollywood A-listers shared their grief, thoughts and prayers:
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Jamie-Lee Curties shares: “My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well,” adding: “We ALL take everything for granted because we are all living our lives but when it hits your community, it’s particularly shocking. Life on life’s terms. If ever there was need for the use of the phrase MY HAND IN YOURS, it is right now. Take care of each other. Stay out of the way and let the firefighters do their work. Pray if you believe in it and even if you don’t, pray for those who do.”
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A snippet from an Instagram post made by Paris Hilton, who has lost her Malibu home, reads:
‘Heartbroken beyond words.💔 Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.😢 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.”
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Ricki Lake, one of several A-listers who lost their home, wrote:
“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words. After a valiant and brave effort by our friend and hero @kirbykotler_ Ross and I lost our dream home. This description ‘dream home’ doesn’t suffice. It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second. I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you. This loss is immeasurable. It’s the spot where we got married 3 years ago. I grieve along with all of those suffering during this apocalyptic event. Praying for all of my neighbors, my friends, my community, the animals, the firefighters and first responders. More to share soon of how we escaped with Dolly and not much else. For now I grieve.”
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Mandy Moore wrote on Instagram:
“love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets). Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.”
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Kate Beckinsale writes:
“…The shock at the whole of the Palisades being destroyed is unthinkably horrific. My daughter and I lived there for most of her childhood and most of her childhood is gone . Her primary school, every shop or restaurant we used to go to with my parents and Michael’s parents -and devastatingly ,most of her friends homes .My heart is broken.” she adds: “I’m weeping for all of the people and pets involved ,so many of them I know . My heart is breaking for the families who have lost everything , and the people and their animals , not to mention the horses and all the wild animals, people’s businesses and livelihoods . This is just like hell.”
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Jennifer Love Hewitt took to social media:
“I have no words. Only prayers and holding as much hope as I can for our home and our kids while we watch everything burn. Thank you to every first responder fighting so hard for all of us. Thank you to every friend who reached out and new person I have hugged in tears in the last 24 hours.”
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Featured images: Getty
