A couple return their fire-damaged home after the Eaton Fire swept through the area in Altadena, California(Image: AP)

Hollywood fires: Apocalyptic photos show devastation as five die and celebrities' homes destroyed

by · Wales Online

The wildfires across Southern California are continuing to tear through the state after breaking out on Tuesday, January 7, destroying homes as well as wildlife. Emergency services have been swarming the dystopian scenes, with more than 7,500 firefighters deployed, and over 100,000 people told to evacuate their homes and least five people have died.

The emergency services are currently battling at least five major wildfires dotted around the Los Angeles area, as well as some smaller blazes. It is thought that thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection listed five major active wildfires spread around the Los Angeles area with three at 0% containment. The largest one - the Palisades Fire - began in the Pacific Palisades area of the city and has so far burned 17,234 acres. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.

President Biden will also be remaining in the United States after cancelling a trip to Italy to coordinate the federal response, his spokeswoman said Wednesday night.

For people living near the fire and those at risk of having their communities engulfed by flames, they are able to sign up to receive countywide emergency alerts by text, email or phone call. The app Watch Duty is also being used to provide real-time updates on the fires for residents. And for those travelling to the area, the Foreign Office warns that “fast-spreading wildfires are currently active within Los Angeles County. You should monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities”.

Celebrity homes are some of those being torn to shreds. The Metro has reported a full list of stars who have lost their homes so far, including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, Anthony Hopkins, Diane Warren, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Eugene Levy, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Cary Elwes, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Anna Faris, Ricki Lake, Cameron Mathison, Jennifer Grey, Cobie Smulders and James Woods.

California governor Gavin Newsom has also alluded to the impact of climate change according to Sky News, as he noted that fire season has become "year-round in the state of California" despite the state not "traditionally" seeing fires at this time of year.

He also posted on X: “To the heroes, firefighters, and first responders battling these fires in Los Angeles: Your sacrifice and determination inspire the entire state. California is deeply grateful for your dedication and service.”

These photos show some of the damage that has been done so far.

Many homes in Altadena have been engulfed by flames.(Image: Getty Images)
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Firefighters battling the Eaton Fire as it destroys structures.(Image: AP)
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Thousands of firefighter's are currently tackling the flames in what has been described as an "unprecedented" situation.(Image: AP)
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