Threedevastating California wildfires— two in the south and one in the north — have forcedover a quarter of a million peoplewho were in harm’s way to evacuate from their homes, some of which didn’t survive the blazes.
Firefighters in the northern part of the state are battling a blaze — known as the Camp Fire — which as of Sunday morning, had burned through 109,000 acres and was only 25 percent contained, according toCal Fire.
In a press release on Saturday, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that thenumber of fatalitiesreported had grown from 9 to 23. Over half of the victims were found in the city of Paradise.
Additionally, the Woosley Fire, which is affecting residents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, had burned through 83,275 acres and was only 10 percent contained as of Sunday morning, according to Cali Fire.
Gerard Butler/Twitter
While some celebrities, includingKourtney KardashianandAlyssa Milano, were lucky to have the flames not destroy their homes, others were not so fortunate.
On Saturday,Robin Thicke’s pregnant girlfriend April Love Geary shared on her Instagram Story that the home the couple shares in Malibu had been burned down.
“Our house is gone,” she wrote alongside an image that appeared to show the gate of their home amongst the charred debris.
Thicke had previously shared an image of dark smoke clouds filling up the sky near where the couple lived, writing, “Our home is just to the left! Praying.”
April Love Geary/Instagram
The singer went on to post a note on behalf of himself, Geary, their daughterMia Loveand son Julian Fuego, thanking all of the “courageous firefighters and volunteers” for their help.
FormerReal Housewives of Beverly HillsstarCamille Grammeralso shared on social media that she had lost her home.
“The courageous firefighters were able to save my cars and personal items recovered from my home. I thanked the fire captain and his team of fireman for all of their hard work,” she wrote. “Sad we lost our home but grateful that my family is safe.”
“Luckily we quickly evacuated our house yesterday after a patrol car drove up the street announcing mandatory evacuations. I’m grateful for my lovely neighbors and friends who kept me informed and for their help this evening,” she added. “Thank you all for caring.”
After returning to his Malibu home on Sunday,Gerard Butlershared a photo of himself standing next to the charred remains of his own home.
Young and the Restlessalum Tracy Bregman also lost her home, andReal Housewives of Beverly Hills’Eileen Davidsonindicated that she lost the yard around her family’s home.
Many other celebrities, including the Kardashians,Lady GagaandWill Smithwere also forced to evacuate their homes. The fate of many homes is still unclear.
In addition to sharing ways that their fans can help support victims of the fires, a number of celebrities have gone the extra mile to take a more hands-on approach.
On Saturday,Kendra Wilkinsonthanked her ex-husband Hank Baskett for helping to put out fires.
“The kids and I are so proud of @The HankBaskett for going out and helping put our fires around Calabasas. He saved many homes without the people probably even knowing. Great job Hank!” shetweeted, adding a clapping hands emoji.
Doing her part,Khloé Kardashiantook a trip to CVS on Saturday to purchase supplies for firefighters, whileRob Lowealso shared that his sons and nephews were helping assist evacuations and bring food to firefighters.
ActressTori Spellingrevealed that Jennie Garth, her good friend and formerBeverly Hills, 90210costar, had taken her entire family in after they had been forced to evacuate.
“And, thank you most of all to my childhood, adulthood, everything in between, and lifelong friend @jenniegarth for giving our ginormous family flesh and fur your entire house to stay at in a moments notice. I’m not good at asking for what I need. But only my best friend would know that and jump in and just make it happen!” she added. “Let’s keep praying and doing our part. Never stop showing what some will always underestimate, that kindness will always win in the long run. Love to everyone.”
President Donald Trump‘s youngest daughterTiffany Trump, who grew up in Calabasas, also offered up her own heartfelt condolences.
“My heart goes out to my friends and to all that have been affected and lost their homes due to these wildfires. Thank you to all of the fire fighters, first responders and volunteers risking their lives and working relentlessly to contain #Woolseyfire,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Growing up I had to evacuate three times from my home in Calabasas – but not until now has a fire burnt down houses within my community,” she added. “Please pray for the safety and strength of our incredible firefighters on the front line.”
High winds, low humidity and dry vegetation havestoked the fires, according to CNN. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that “strong offshore” winds and low humidity “will promote conditions highly favorable” for acontinued spreadof the fires.
To help victims of the California wildfires, visit theAmerican Red Cross, theLos Angeles Fire Department Foundationand theCalifornia Fire Foundationfor more information.
source: people.com
