Hollywood figures including Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton and Eugene Levy have lost their homes to wildfires ravaging Los Angeles neighbourhoods, as the death toll reaches five and property damage exceeds 1,100 buildings.
Crystal, 76, confirmed the loss of his Pacific Palisades home of 46 years: “Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We lived in our home since 1979. Every inch of our house was filled with love.”
Six fires are burning across Los Angeles county, with the affluent Pacific Palisades particularly hard hit since Tuesday. A new blaze erupted Wednesday night in Hollywood Hills’ Runyon Canyon, prompting immediate evacuation orders.
“Sadly we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire,” actor Cary Elwes said after his Malibu property was destroyed. Other affected celebrities include John Goodman, James Woods, and songwriter Diane Warren.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended Oscar nomination voting by two days due to the fires, while the Critics Choice awards have been postponed to January 26.
President Joe Biden has approved a federal disaster declaration, enabling funding for temporary housing and repairs in affected areas.
The fires, driven by climate conditions including drought and strong winds, have forced 130,000 residents to evacuate. (ıncyprus)
