Mel Gibson's house burns down amid wildfires while he's on podcast blasting California governor

Mel Gibson, who won two Oscars for his work on Braveheart, lost his luxury pad in Malibu, California, during the devastating wildfires raging through parts of the state

Hollywood icon Mel Gibson's house burned down while he was blasting the California governor on a podcast.

The film veteran, who has won two Oscars and a Golden Globe, slammed Gavin Newsom over his handling of the devastating wildfires when he appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast this week.

But when Gibson, 69, was recording the podcast, the fires tore down his mansion in Malibu. Shocking photographs show the site reduced to rubble, scenes said to have "devastated" the actor and filmmaker.

Speaking amid the aftermath, Gibson told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports: "When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there. I had never seen such a complete burn. It is obviously devastating, it’s emotional. I lived there for about 15 years so it was home to me.

"There was nothing left but a chimney and a few roof tiles, and you dare not walk around for the nails and the whole deal. The vehicles were gone, everything."

Gibson, who won two Oscars for his work on Braveheart in 1996, had ripped into the California governor on Rogan's podcast. He told the comic and actor he felt Newsom did not follow through on things he said he would do to help prevent wildfires when he first took office six years ago.

"In 2019, I think Newsom said, ‘I’m going to take care of the forest and maintain the forest’ and do all that kind of stuff. I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel. It’s sad. The place is just on fire," Gibson, known for his action hero roles, said during his chat with 57-year-old comedian Rogan.

At least 11 people have died and more than 10,000 homes have been destroyed in several wildfires, which have raged for the past week in southern California. Fierce winds threaten to fuel the towering infernos. Palisades - the largest fire of all seven currently burning - has destroyed more than 5,000 homes and structures in its path.

Scientists have said climate change has made the grasses and shrubs fuelling the fires more vulnerable to burning. There is a massive amount of tinder-dry vegetation that is ready to ignite, after rapid swings between dry and wet conditions in the region in recent years.

But citizens across America have stated on social media - and even to the press - a slew of baffling alternative notions, but these conspiracy theories have been slammed. They have taken over public discourse, despite the research - conducted at prestigious institutions including University of California, Los Angeles - showing clear explainations for the awful disasters.

One Los Angeles resident even said: "I think this is a conspiracy and these recent drone attacks are behind the fires," alluding to the recent spate of mysterious mass sightings of drones across skies above various US states.