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Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal have been left “heartbroken” after their homes were completely burned to the ground in wildfires tearing through Southern California.
Hilton watched her $8.4m home, situated on the waterfront in Malibu, burn to ashes on the news, telling her fans: “This is something no one should ever have to experience.”
The socialite heart-wrenchingly revealed to her millions of followers that she powerlessly watched on as KABC news footage showed her home completely destroyed.
Hilton’s post corroborated TMZ reports that her house was “reduced to a pile of burning rubble”.
She said she was “heartbroken beyond words” after watching the news with her family – including her son Phoenix and daughter London, whom she shares with husband Carter Reum.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Hilton continued: “While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe.”
Meanwhile, When Harry Met Sally star Crystal said he and his wife had lost his home of 46 years in the blaze.
“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing,” the couple said in a joint statement given to the PA news agency.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.
“We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
At least five people have been killed and over 70,000 have been evacuated as panicked residents escape the fury being fueled by high winds.
The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires started up in Los Angeles County on Tuesday (7 January), engulfing nearly 23,000 acres in the blaze. Meanwhile, two others – the Tyler and Woodley fires – erupted nearby on Wednesday (8 January). The city has declared a state of emergency.
A new fire has broken out in the Hollywood Hills, threatening a series of tourist sites, including the Walk of Fame, and a number of high profile events have been cancelled. A number of celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis and married couple Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, have lost their homes because of the crisis.
Oscar-winner Diane Warren, known for writing songs for Celine Dion, Cher, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, confirmed she had also lost her beach home of 30 years in the wildfire, but said her animals had survived the ordeal.
The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes told followers on Instagram that his house was destroyed, but that his family are “grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire”.
