California certainly has been through the wringer lately. After the bar shooting in Thousand Oaks, the state mourned the loss of twelve people. The very next day on Nov. 8, a set of wildfires began to spread throughout Butte County, Los Angeles and Ventura County. The three main fires, Camp, Woolsey and Hill continue to cause major damage, with Camp being the largest fire in California history. The death toll and amount of buildings completely destroyed increase each day, with firefighters working to put an end to the madness.
Because these fires are taking place in a hub for entertainment and celebrities, homes worth millions of dollars have been burned to the ground, along with the personal belongings inside them.
The reality show, The Bachelor, has stopped filming in between seasons and a man named Marshall Haraden lives in this famous mansion with his family. As the fire moved in the way of this home, one of the neighbors, sixteen-year-old Ava Friedman alerted firefighters of the damage about to ensue. Although the main building in the front of the mansion was destroyed, the main house remains in good standing. While smoke lurks in the building, making it unlivable at the moment, the reality show should have no problem returning for the next season.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s Malibu home turned to ashes as a result of the Woolsey fire. Thankfully both stars along with their pets evacuated in time to escape the fire’s wrath. Hemsworth shared a picture of his home-turned-rubble showing that the only remains were letters that spelled the word “LOVE” stating, “This is what’s left of my house. Love.” Even after losing their own home, the duo donated $500,000 to support the rebuilding of homes in their community.
Although these celebrities survived the fire damages, some California citizens weren’t as lucky. In the midst of the damages, cars are burning up, sometimes with the drivers still in the seat. As of Nov. 15, the death toll reached 68 with 631 people missing. More than 8,500 buildings and 140,000 acres of land have been taken by the flames.
During this tragic time, the citizens of California have come together to support one another. The brave firefighters and victims who have lost their homes and all of their belongings are not alone in this struggle. Lady Gaga visited a shelter filled with evacuees and brought joy to a depressing situation. Khloe Kardashian bought everything in stock at a CVS store that would help the firefighters stay strong and healthy, such as water bottles, eye drops and granola bars. Both Ellen DeGeneres and Sandra Bullock donated $100,000 to the rescue efforts, with Bullock also donating $400,000 to the American Red Cross.
The fires continue to spread, but so do the love and support.