The fire began on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades and quickly spread to Malibu and Santa Monica. As of the morning of January 9, the Los Angeles Fire Department said the Palisades fire was still not under control. Other fires in the area, including the Eaton, Woodley, Lidia and Hurst fires, were also continuing with very low containment levels.
On the evening of January 8, a new blaze called the Sunset Fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills, threatening iconic areas like the Hollywood Bowl. The evacuation order was lifted the following morning as firefighters brought the situation under control. However, the Sunswept Fire, another blaze in Studio City, spread from one house to a neighboring neighborhood before it was largely extinguished.
Many Hollywood stars including Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal, Diane Warren, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag have confirmed that they lost their homes in the fire. Paris Hilton expressed her grief on Instagram after her Malibu home burned down: "Sitting with my family, watching the news and seeing our home burn to the ground is truly a feeling no one should have to go through. It is a place where we built precious memories."
Billy Crystal, a comedian and one of the most famous hosts of the Oscars, also lost his home of nearly 50 years in Pacific Palisades. "We are heartbroken by the devastation we and many of our neighbors are witnessing," they said in a joint statement.
Mandy Moore, star of This Is Us, confirmed that her Altadena home was completely destroyed in the Eaton Fire. "My home is now a pile of ashes. I'm devastated," she said.
Cameron Mathison, an actor from General Hospital, posted a picture of the destroyed home, writing: "This is where my kids grew up, and they dreamed of raising their own kids here."
Other artists including Bozoma Saint John, Diane Warren, Denise Crosby and Melissa Rivers have also confirmed they lost their homes, sharing heartbreaking memories and gratitude that their families are safe. Bozoma Saint John calls her home "where I find peace and where I can get through the hard times."
Not only homes, many iconic landmarks and cultural assets have also been severely affected. While firefighters are still working hard, the damage is increasing, leaving thousands of families in immeasurable loss.
