A miraculous scene has emerged from the devastation in Malibu, where one home remarkably remains intact while properties on either side lie in ruins.
This comes as wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, leaving over 10,000 buildings destroyed and claiming at least 10 lives.
The fires, fueled by relentless desert winds, have engulfed the region for a fourth day, reducing Malibu’s iconic palm trees to charred stumps.
Rows of luxury waterfront homes have been obliterated, with only one structure left standing amid the ashes.
Nearby, the upscale Pacific Palisades neighbourhood has been decimated, with homes reduced to little more than chimneys and outlines.
Among the notable figures impacted are Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, and Miles Teller, whose homes were lost to the inferno.
The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire have already set a grim record as the most destructive blazes in Los Angeles history, scorching over 34,000 acres.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has warned the death toll could rise sharply. “It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don’t expect good news, and we’re not looking forward to those numbers,” Luna said.
Stories of those who perished include 67-year-old Anthony Mitchell and his son Justin, who were unable to evacuate in time, and Victor Shaw, who died attempting to protect his home with a garden hose.
The financial toll remains uncalculated, but AccuWeather estimates losses between $135 billion and $150 billion. Mayor Karen Bass, facing criticism for her handling of the crisis, has pledged to “aggressively rebuild.”
President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster and assured federal support for recovery efforts over the next 180 days.
Amid the chaos, a new fire, the Kenneth Fire, erupted in the San Fernando Valley, threatening communities and draining resources.
LAPD confirmed a suspect was detained in connection with this blaze, believed to have been intentionally set.
Water shortages have compounded the crisis, with firefighters struggling to access hydrants. Biden attributed the issue to power shutdowns aimed at preventing additional fires.
“Utilities understandably shut off power because they were worried the lines would spark more fires,” Biden explained. Efforts are underway to bring in generators to restore water supplies.
The lack of preparedness has sparked outrage, with figures like developer Rick Caruso condemning the city’s infrastructure failures.
“This is a systemic problem of mismanagement,” Caruso said, criticizing Mayor Bass for being abroad as the fires raged.
Despite some progress in battling the blazes, containment remains distant. Fire crews have managed to extinguish smaller fires near Hollywood, narrowly saving landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl. However, vast swaths of Los Angeles, including schools, churches, and historic sites, have been reduced to ash.
Senator Adam Schiff issued a stark warning to residents: “If you get an evacuation order, get the hell out. If you stay, you’re going to die.” The National Guard has been deployed to maintain order, with curfews imposed in fire-stricken areas.
The fires have displaced hundreds, including celebrities like Jeff Bridges, Denise Crosby, and Milo Ventimiglia, who have shared their heartbreak over losing their homes.
Tina Knowles also revealed the destruction of her Malibu property shortly after celebrating her birthday there.
The fires’ intensity has been linked to climate change. Experts cite “hydroclimate whiplash” as a factor, with extreme weather patterns creating ideal conditions for wildfires.
Santa Ana winds have further exacerbated the crisis, driving flames through dry vegetation left by record-hot summers and unusually wet winters.
The road to recovery will be long and arduous for Los Angeles, with communities rallying together to rebuild from the ashes.
As Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million to support affected residents, the city confronts its systemic challenges and braces for a new era of wildfire management.
