A fast-moving wildfire has forced 30,000 people to evacuate as flames rage across Los Angeles. Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal have described the anguish of losing their homes amid the 'unprecedented wildfires'. Thousands of firefighters are battling the Palisades fire, which has burnt nearly 16,000 acres, and seven other blazes across southern California.
The city has declared a state of emergency, with at least 70,000 people forced to flee. A new fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills, threatening tourist sites including the Walk of Fame. Hilton said she was 'heartbroken beyond words' to see her Malibu home 'burn to the ground on live TV'. She added: 'This home was where we built so many precious memories. It's where Phoenix took his first steps.'
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice confirmed their home of 46 years was destroyed. 'Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation,' they said. 'We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love.' Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren also lost her beach home of 30 years, but her animals survived.
Other stars shared harrowing stories, including Mark Hamill, James Woods, and Mandy Moore. Hamill said his family were 'fleeing for our lives', while Woods said: 'It tests your soul, losing everything at once.' Moore wrote: 'My children's school is gone. Our favourite restaurants, levelled.' Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed her home was safe, but 'our beloved neighbourhood is gone'. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag also lost their home, with Pratt saying: 'I'm watching our house burn down on the security cameras.'
