Celebrities Among Those Returning to Find Home Burned Down
"Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters," actor Gerard Butler wrote on social media
By Andrew Dalton ••
As the Woolsey Fire continues to scorch areas of Southern California, one resident describes trying to flee as a “monstrous wave of fire” roared through Malibu. Rick Montanez reports for NBC4 News Nov. 11, 2018.
Celebrities whose coastal homes have been damaged or destroyed in a Southern California wildfire or were forced to flee from the flames expressed sympathy and solidarity with less-famous people hurt by the state's deadly blazes, and gave their gratitude to firefighters who kept them safe.
"Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating," Gerard Butler wrote in an Instagram post next to a photo that showed a burned-out structure and a badly scorched vehicle. "Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters."
Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at https://t.co/ei7c7F7cZx. pic.twitter.com/AcBcLtKmDU
"Half-gone," the "300" actor grumbled in his Scottish accent in a video that shows embers, ashes and what's left of his home.
Robin Thicke's Malibu home burned down entirely, according to a representative.
The 41-year-old singer said on Instagram that he, his girlfriend and his two kids are "safe and surrounded by friends and family" and were thankful to firefighters.
"As we drove to safety, they risked their lives trying to save our home," Thicke said.
Miley Cyrus tweeted overnight that her Malibu home was destroyed in the blaze.
"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," Cyrus wrote on Twitter.
Completely devestated by the fires affecting my community. 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
Camille Grammer Meyer of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" also lost her Malibu home on Saturday night, her publicist, Howard Bragman, said in an email to The Associated Press.
"Sadly my house couldn't be saved," Meyer, the ex-wife of actor Kelsey Grammer, wrote in an Instagram post that showed a huge house engulfed in flames.
Actor Martin Sheen, interviewed by a TV station on the beach Friday night after fleeing his home, said the fire was the worst he has ever seen. "The West Wing" star said he expects his house was destroyed.
Comedian Daniel Tosh turned to humor and attempted to make light of his home burning down by tweeting out "my home burnt down, but the patriots lost, so not the worst weekend."
And Kim Kardashian West posted video on Instagram of an area on fire with a message "Pray for Calabasas." She said she landed back home, spent one hour packing and evacuated shortly afterward.
Caitlyn Jenner was among the fortunate ones, learning Sunday that her house was spared.
"Yay, our house made it!" Jenner said in an Instagram video then showed the bare, blackened landscape surrounding the house. "It was devastating out here in Malibu," Jenner said. "The hills are just totally scorched. Fried to say the least....we're very, very lucky."
Many others including Orlando Bloom, Alyssa Milano, Lady Gaga, "The Office" actor Rainn Wilson and fashion designer Donna Karan were among evacuees. Some knew their homes were safe (for now) and waited for a chance to return. Others were in the dark, posting pictures of plumes of smoke and saying their houses were somewhere in there.
"Stay safe, California — and keep those prayers coming America," Wilson said on his Twitter account, where over the weekend he was sharing photos of some of the more than 100 people missing in the huge wildfire in Northern California that has killed at least 23. Milano said her house is "still in jeopardy" as strong winds kicked up again Sunday.
Jerry Cowart
A photos of the Woolsey Fire at El Scorpion Canyon Park, California.
Brandon J Raines
A view of the Woolsey Fire from a plane.
Donna Rader
[EXTERNAL] Fire picture in Simi Valley This picture was taken today in Simi Valley you're my brother's house so close to homes.
AP
Firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire as it burns a home in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Authorities announced Friday that a quarter of a million people are under evacuation orders as wind-whipped flames rage through scenic areas west of Los Angeles and burn toward the sea. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Kyle Grillot for The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Woolsey Fire burns above Malibu, California, Nov. 10, 2018.
The devastating Woolsey Fire destroyed Camp Hilltop (pictured) and its sister camp, Camp Hess Kramer in the Malibu Hills. The beloved camps have been the summer home for tens of thousands of Jewish children in Los Angeles.
AP
Tim Billow, 62, tries to save his plantings in his backyard as the Woolsey Fire burns in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. A Southern California wildfire continues to burn homes as it runs toward the sea. Winds are blamed for pushing the fire through scenic canyon communities and ridgetop homes. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Los Angeles County firefighters attack flames approaching the Salvation Army camps in Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 10, 2018 near Malibu, California. The Woolsey fire has burned over 70,000 acres and has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu as it continues grow. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Storm Team 4
Flames from a broken gas line burn at one of at least 20 homes destroyed just on Windermere Drive in the Point Dume area of Malibu, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Known as the Woolsey Fire, it has consumed thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of homes. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
WOWT
Los Angeles County firefighters attack flames approaching the Salvation Army camps in Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 10, 2018 near Malibu, California. The Woolsey fire has burned over 70,000 acres and has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu as it continues grow.
Jerry Cowart
Woolsey Fire at El Scorpion Canyon Park California A of photo i took of the Woolsey Fire at El Scorpion Canyon Park, California.
Art Codron
The Woolsey Fire is seen near Bell Canyon.
Jerry Cowart
The Woolsey Fire is seen at El Scorpion Canyon Park.
Claudia Conrad
Firefighters are seen near Deer Creek in the Malibu area.
Abby Gennet
The Woolsey Fire through an 11-year-old's eyes. This photo was taken as Jagger Scallions and family were evacuating from his grandmother’s house in Calabasas.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Fire glows in the distance in the Simi Valley area.
Carrie Assor
A view of the Woolsey Fire Nov. 9, 2018.
mrmikeca
The smoke-filled view from Mullholland and Sunset.
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MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Los Angeles County firefighters attack flames approaching the Salvation Army camps in Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 10, 2018 near Malibu, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
KNBC-TV
Gildred Hall, an activity hall at Camp Hess Kramer, a beloved Jewish summer camp in the Malibu Hills that was largely destroyed by the Woolsey Fire.
KNBC-TV
Cabins burned down at Camp Hess Kramer in the Malibu Hills.
The devastating Woolsey Fire destroyed Camp Hilltop (pictured) and its sister camp, Camp Hess Kramer in the Malibu Hills. The beloved camps have been the summer home for tens of thousands of Jewish children in Los Angeles.
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Los Angeles County firefighter looks on as the out of control Woolsey Fire explodes behind a house in the West Hills neighborhood on November 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. About 75,000 homes have been evacuated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to two fires in the region. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Embers falls from burning palms and the sun is obscured by smoke as flames close in on a house at the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 in Malibu, California. About 75,000 homes have been evacuated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to two fires in the region. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Meredith Land
Smoke from a fire burning in Malibu rises behind Paradise Cove.
Joshua Young
A view of the smoke looking back on PCH.
AP Images
Melted recycling and trash containers stand next to one of at least 20 homes destroyed just on Windermere Drive in the Point Dume area of Malibu, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Known as the Woolsey Fire, it has consumed thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of homes. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Getty Images
MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Los Angeles County firefighters attack flames approaching the Salvation Army camps in Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 10, 2018 near Malibu, California. The Woolsey fire has burned over 70,000 acres and has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu as it continues grow. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
AP
Tim Billow, 62, tries to save his plantings in his backyard as the Woolsey Fire burns in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. A Southern California wildfire continues to burn homes as it runs toward the sea. Winds are blamed for pushing the fire through scenic canyon communities and ridgetop homes. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
AP
Firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire as it burns a home in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Authorities announced Friday that a quarter of a million people are under evacuation orders as wind-whipped flames rage through scenic areas west of Los Angeles and burn toward the sea. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Juliet Huck
A view of the fire in Malibu with Century City in the foreground.
Robert Medina
[EXTERNAL] Malibu fire from Palos Verdes.
CL
Fires seen from Manhattan Beach.
Linda Smith
Fire Plume of smoke as seen from Palmdale earlier today.
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MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Flames overtake the Reagan Ranch, once owned by President Ronald Reagan, at Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 near Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents of Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Adam Fanton
A staggering view of the Woolsey Fire smoke plume as seen from Marina del Rey Friday Nov. 9, 2018.
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MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: A deputy retreats from flames in Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 near Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Getty Images
MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Wind-driven flames move across Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 near Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents of Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Roger Bloxberg, right, and his wife Anne hug as they watch a wildfire on a hilltop near their home Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in West Hills, Calif.
NBC Connecticut
Firefighters struggle to keep flames from a condominium complex on Pacific Coast Highway in the Point Dume area of Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Known as the Woolsey fire, it has consumed thousands of acres and destroyed multiple homes. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
AP
Marty Cable is one of dozens of horse owners who evacuated her home in Encinal Canyon to bring their animals to an evacuation area at Zuma Beach in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Known as the Woolsey fire, it has consumed thousands of acres and destroyed multiple homes. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
AP
A helicopter drops water on a brush fire behind homes during the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. A fast-moving wildfire in Southern California has scorched a historic movie site recently used by the HBO series "Westworld" and forced numerous celebrities to join the thousands fleeing flames that have claimed homes and prompted the total evacuation of the celebrity enclave Malibu. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Cañas Villa de Cos
A firefighter keeps watch as the charred remains of a burned out home are seen during the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
AP
People cover their faces walk their dog as smoke from a wildfire fills the air during the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, Calif., Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Tricia Cazaz
The fire as seen from Malibu shores
Jonathan Gonzalez/NBCLA
A home burns in Westlake Village off Kanan Dume Road in the Woolsey Fire.
A home burns in Westlake Village off Kanan Dume Road in the Woolsey Fire.
Itay Mane
Woolsey Fire
TBarbz
Woolsey Fire Taken from near Eagle Rock overlook towards Topanga Canyon at 10 am on 11/9/18
Getty Images
The Woolsey Fire is seen looking towards the west valley area on November 9, 2018 in Porter Ranch, California.
@robertcabral
A view of the Woolsey Fire in Malibu Friday Nov. 9, 2018.
itay mane
[EXTERNAL] Woolsey fire photos I took these from 7:29 am to 7:46am this morning if you are interested, highest bidder wins. All the best, Itay Mane.
David Arnold
[EXTERNAL] The Woolsey Fire viewed from a plane coming in from San Jose.
Mekahlo Medina/KNBC-TV
A home burns to the ground in Oak Park Friday Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper4 Bravo
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Susan Monroe
A home burns down in Oak Park as the Woolsey Fire grows to 7,500 acres and forces widespread mandatory evacuations on Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
A home burns in Oak Park due to Woolsey Fire in Ventura County on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
A home burns in Oak Park due to Woolsey Fire in Ventura County on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper4 Bravo
A home burns in Oak Park due to Woolsey Fire in Ventura County on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
A home burns in Oak Park due to Woolsey Fire in Ventura County on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Newschopper Bravo
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Woolsey Fire
Woolsey Fire burns through Oak Park forcing mandatory evacuations early morning on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Toni Guinyard/KNBC-TV
Drivers are stopped on the 101 Freeway in Calabasas due to the Woolsey fire closure.
Ed Rieth
View of Woolsey Fire from Paradise, CA.
Seth Ryan Stahl
View of Woolsey fire from Channel Islands University.
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Cloud of smoke, view from Santa Moica Pier on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Cloud of smoke, view from Santa Moica Pier on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Cloud of smoke, view from Santa Moica Pier on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Cloud of smoke, view from Santa Moica Pier on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Cloud of smoke, view from Santa Moica Pier on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Toni Guinyard
Home destroyed by Woolsey Fire on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Toni Guinyard
Home burnt to the ground by Woolsey Fire on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Toni Guinyard
Aftermath of Woolsey Fire on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Toni Guinyard
Damages caused by Woolsey Fire on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Toni Guinyard
Aftermath of Woolsey Fire on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Toni Guinyard
Damages caused by Woolsey Fire on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Lea Kraus Sanchez
Woolsey Fire captured from witness flying from the Bay Area to LAX on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Lea Kraus Sanchez
Woolsey Fire captured from witness flying from the Bay Area to LAX on Friday Nov. 9 2018.
Getty Images
MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Strong winds blow embers from burning houses during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 in Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents of Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Getty Images
MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: A house burns during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 in Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents of Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Getty Images
MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: A house burns during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 near Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents of Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Jamie Gordon
Homes burned down in Oak Park.
Jamie Gordon
Homes burned down in Oak Park.
Jamie Gordon
Homes burned down in Oak Park.
Jamie Gordon
Homes burned down in Oak Park.
Veronique Loza
Channel Island Harbor surrounded by fire on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Charlie J
Woosley Fire blaze seen near Woodland Hills.
Matt Lavender
View from Coyote Hills Park in Simi Valley.
Jae C. Hong/AP
A home burned down by a wildfire sits on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Malibu, Calif. Fire officials say the lull allowed firefighters to gain 10 percent control of the so-called Woolsey Fire, which has burned more than 130 square miles in western Los Angeles County and southeastern Ventura County since Thursday.
Getty Images
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Sandro and Antoinette Zanon survey the damage with a Los Angeles City firefighter as their neighbor homes burns down by Woolsey fire on November 9, 2018 in Westlake Village, California. About 75,000 homes have been evacuated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to two fires in the region. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Getty Images
MALIBU, CA - 10 DE NOVIEMBRE: Bomberos del condado de Los Ángeles atacan las llamas que se acercan a los campos del Ejército de Salvación en el Parque Estatal Malibu Creek durante el incendio de Woolsey el 10 de noviembre de 2018 cerca de Malibu, California. El incendio de Woolsey ha quemado más de 70,000 acres y ha alcanzado la costa del Pacífico en Malibú a medida que continúa creciendo. (Foto por David McNew / Getty Images)
Southern California's Woolsey wildfire has killed two and destroyed at least 177 homes. The blaze started Thursday night and pushed toward Malibu and the Pacific Ocean, prompting evacuations in Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills and other nearby areas.
Paramount Ranch's "Western Town," a landmark film location dating back to 1927 that included a jail, hotel and saloon, burned to the ground. The TV series "Westworld" is among the many productions that have filmed at the ranch in the mountains west of Los Angeles.
"LA is a pretty great place but if fires are all we have to deal with, you know, we're lucky," "Rules of Engagement" actor Oliver Hudson told the AP at a charity event in Culver City. "There's a lot of people in the world who are dealing with a lot more."
Actress Julie Bowen of "Modern Family" said everyone affected by the flames is deserving of sympathy.
"I think there are lots and lots of people who think of Malibu as just being a celebrity second-home culture," Bowen said at the Culver City event, "but there are people who is this is their first, last and only homes are there and going all up and down those canyons and they're not necessarily, 'who cares they're rich and glamorous they can afford to lose a home'. This is life and death and it's really tragic."
