Wildfires Ravage LA: Homes and Landmarks in Danger

In the grim reality of California's recent wildfires, Los Angeles County has seen thousands of structures burn to the ground. Celebrity homes in the affluent Pacific Palisades, where the average home costs over $3 million, have been hit hard. Landmarks like Palisades Charter High School, featured in movies, suffered significant damage. The school's classrooms, bungalows, tennis courts, and baseball field took a beating. Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga Ranch Motel were also severely affected. Community theater Theatre Palisades was forced to suspend operations due to extensive damage. Even the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center lost its buildings, though the Torah scrolls were saved. Famous faces like Pete Lee, Tatum O’Neal, and Barbara Corcoran have lost their homes. Pete Lee saw his house burn live on a news broadcast. Tatum O’Neal's Malibu home, once shared with Farrah Fawcett, was destroyed. Barbara Corcoran's Malibu home also burned down, leading her to start a GoFundMe for neighbors. Other celebrities affected include Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, and Mel Gibson. Gibson returned from Texas to find his home completely burned.

Mel Gibson's experience was shared by many others. Jeff Bridges, Rosie O’Donnell, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Adam Brody, and Paris Hilton are just a few who lost their homes. Adam Brody and his wife Leighton Meester evacuated their $6. 5 million home before it burned. Eugene Levy, who serves as the Pacific Palisades’ honorary mayor, fled as the smoke thickened and found his home destroyed. Other notable losses include the homes of Billy Crystal, Dianne Warren, and Milo Ventimiglia. Local landmarks and businesses also took a hit. The Altadena Golf Course and the Reel Inn seafood restaurant were badly damaged. The Malibu Feed Bin, a pet supplies shop, was destroyed. The Getty Center and Getty Villa museums were under evacuation orders, but officials report they remain intact. The wildfires have been devastating, claiming at least 24 lives and forcing over 150, 000 people to evacuate. More than 12, 000 structures have been destroyed. FEMA and President Biden have stepped in to provide assistance.

Actions