Gerard Butler, Camille Grammer & More Lose Homes to California Fires as Death Toll Climbs to 23
Three devastating California wildfires — two in the south and one in the north — have forced over a quarter of a million people who 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 to Cal Fire.
In a press release on Saturday, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the number of fatalities reported 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.
The Hill Fire, located just a few miles from where 12 people were killed in a mass shooting, had covered 4,531 acres by Sunday and was 70 percent contained.
While some celebrities, including Kourtney Kardashian and Alyssa 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.”
Our home is just to the left! Praying
A post shared by Robin Thicke (@robinthicke) on Nov 9, 2018 at 3:46pm PST
The singer went on to post a note on behalf of himself, Geary, their daughter Mia Love and son Julian Fuego, thanking all of the “courageous firefighters and volunteers” for their help.
“As we drove to safety, they risked their lives trying to save our home,” he wrote. “We are safe and surrounded by friends and family. We Thank you for all the love and support we’ve received and we send our love and prayers to everyone affected by the fires. Count your blessings!”
A post shared by Robin Thicke (@robinthicke) on Nov 11, 2018 at 12:47pm PST
RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian Says Wildfire ‘Just Stopped’ on Its Own Before Reaching Her Home
Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Camille Grammer also shared on social media that she had lost her home.
“Sadly my house couldn’t be saved,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside an image of her house being engulfed by flames.
“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.”
A post shared by Camille Grammer Meyer (@therealcamille) on Nov 11, 2018 at 1:20am PST
After returning to his Malibu home on Sunday, Gerard Butler shared a photo of himself standing next to the charred remains of his own home.
“Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD,” he wrote. “If you can, support these brave men and women at https://SupportLAFD.org.”
Young and the Restless alum Tracy Bregman also lost her home, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Eileen Davidson indicated that she lost the yard around her family’s home.
Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at https://t.co/ei7c7F7cZx. pic.twitter.com/AcBcLtKmDU
— Gerard Butler (@GerardButler) November 11, 2018
A post shared by Tracey Bregman (@traceybregman1) on Nov 10, 2018 at 11:32am PST
After living for 24 hours thinking we lost our house completely we found out yesterday that we only lost the yard around our house. Sweating it out for the next 48 hours and praying for everybody involved in this devastating and horrific fire. Love to all of you. ?? #woolseyfires
— Eileen Davidson (@eileen_davidson) November 11, 2018
Many other celebrities, including the Kardashians, Lady Gaga and Will Smith were also forced to evacuate their homes. The fate of many homes is still unclear.
RELATED: Lady Gaga Documents Being Forced to Evacuate from Malibu Home Amid Fire: ‘All We Can Do Is Pray’
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 Wilkinson thanked 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!” she tweeted, adding a clapping hands emoji.
The kids and I are so proud of @TheHankBaskett for going out and helping put out fires around Calabasas. He saved many homes without the people probably even knowing. Great job Hank! ????????
— Kendra Wilkinson (@KendraWilkinson) November 10, 2018
Doing her part, Khloé Kardashian took a trip to CVS on Saturday to purchase supplies for firefighters, while Rob Lowe also shared that his sons and nephews were helping assist evacuations and bring food to firefighters.
A post shared by Kris Jenner (@krisjenner) on Nov 10, 2018 at 1:50pm PST
A post shared by Rob Lowe (@robloweofficial) on Nov 9, 2018 at 2:38pm PST
Countless other celebrities who have been affected by the fires have also offered up their thoughts and prayers to everybody involved — and shared their gratefulness for those who had helped in their time of need.
Actress Tori Spelling revealed that Jennie Garth, her good friend and former Beverly Hills, 90210 costar, had taken her entire family in after they had been forced to evacuate.
“Our hearts go out to all the people affected by and still being affected by the #woolseyfire. It’s in a time of utter disaster and despair that humanity steps up. Amazing to see the outpour of generosity and kindness that people have shown towards other humans and animals affected by the fires and evacuations,” she wrote, adding that many of her friends “immediately reached out and offered their homes to us.”
“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.”
A post shared by Tori Spelling (@torispelling) on Nov 10, 2018 at 12:15pm PST
President Donald Trump‘s youngest daughter Tiffany 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.”
A post shared by Tiffany Ariana Trump (@tiffanytrump) on Nov 11, 2018 at 4:02am PST
Getting ready for show.Such an Unreal experience. ????Fires across The St.From My House, Cant See Neighbors House Through The ????. & It’s All on
VIDEO ????— Cher (@cher) November 11, 2018
Thoughts after passing a police checkpoint to return briefly to our home; Grateful we have a home to return to. Heartbroken for those who don't. Profound gratitude and respect for the brave men and women putting themselves in harm's way to fight these infernos. #WoolseyFire
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) November 10, 2018
A post shared by Orlando Bloom (@orlandobloom) on Nov 9, 2018 at 3:40pm PST
A post shared by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on Nov 10, 2018 at 4:09pm PST
My house is safe guys, thanks for everyone who sent me updates yesterday on the fire.
Feeling very thankful to have a home to go back to today. ????— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) November 10, 2018
High winds, low humidity and dry vegetation have stoked 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 a continued spread of the fires.
To help victims of the California wildfires, visit the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Fire Foundation for more information.