California wildfires updates: Death, destruction, celebrity homes destroyed in Malibu

Wildfires across the State of California continue to devastate the northern and southern portions of the state.  As of this writing, 31 people have died; and at least 200 people remain unaccounted for.  Across the state, at least 7,000 structures have been destroyed; and another 57,000 structures are currently being threatened.

Thousands of people have had to evacuate their homes.

Approximately 8,000 firefighters are on duty and on the front lines trying to contain the fires.

The fire known as the Woolsey Fire spreading across Southern California has burned about 85,000 acres and is only 15% contained.  That fire is also being spread due to the Santa Ana winds.  Those winds are expected to increase today making the efforts to fight those blazes even more difficult.

The smaller Hill Fire in Southern California’s Ventura County has burned more than 4,500 acres and as of this writing is 75% contained.

In Northern California, some areas have been devasted as far as the eye can see.  In Butte County, 111,000 acres have burned; and that fire is only 25% contained. The northern California town of Paradise, with a 2010 population census of approximately 27,000, has been completely destroyed.

The Woolsey fire is being blamed for destroying many celebrity homes in Malibu.  Fires in that region have spread almost to the Pacific Ocean.  Celebrity homes destroyed in Malibu include those owned by Gerard Butler, Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke and Neil Young.

Actor Gerard Butler tweeted:

Cyrus tweeted that she has been completely devastated but counts herself as one of the lucky ones.

“I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and LOVE OF MY LIFE made it out safely & that’s all that matters right now. My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family & friends stand strong. I am grateful for all I have left. Sending so much love and gratitude to the firefighters and LA country Sheriff’s department! “

Also see:  Free boarding for pets displaced by wildfires in Southern California

Neil Young posted a note to his official website saying that this is the second home he’s lost to California wildfires: “I have lost my home before to a California wildfire, now another.”

For more on the relentless California wildfires, see the video accompanying this article.

(Article Sources:  Ca.gov,  CNN,  NBC)

~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter