Mel Gibson says house burned down in Los Angeles wildfires

Mel Gibson revealed that his home was destroyed by wildfires in Los Angeles while he was away recording Joe Rogan’s podcast.

The Oscar-winning movie star said his Malibu property was “totally fried” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the crisis.

At least 10 people have died in wildfires that have burned thousands of buildings and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

Scores of celebrities have described how they have lost their possessions, while officials have warned that stronger winds could fan the wildfires further.

Gibson said he felt “uncomfortable” during his visit to Austin, Texas, to appear as a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience because he knew his neighborhood was “on fire.”

“It’s kind of devastating, it’s emotional,” Gibson told NewsNation. Reporting by Elizabeth Vargas.

“I am freed from the weight of my things, because they are all ashes.”

The Braveheart star said he had lived in his property for around 15 years and some of his neighbours’ houses were also ‘gone’, including one owned by actor Ed Harris.

Gibson said his family followed the evacuation order and they are safe.

In the village podcast with RoganGibson criticized the California governor, saying Newsom claimed he was “going to take care of the forests” but “has done nothing.”

“I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin’s hair gel,” the actor said.

Los Angeles faced the worst wildfires in its history, destroying 31,000 acres (12,500 hectares) of land and forcing the evacuation of 180,000 people.

Five wildfires are still burning in the Los Angeles area: Palisades, Eaton, Kennett, Hearst and Lydia.

California Fire Chief David Acuna told Radio 4’s Today program that 10,000 buildings were likely destroyed. He also warned that winds in the coming days could cause further destruction in the area.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump called on Newsom, a Democrat, to resign over his handling of the crisis, saying “one of the best and most beautiful” parts of the US was “burning to the ground.”

Newsom defended the response and said state officials are “throwing everything at our disposal” to protect communities.

A spokeswoman for the governor accused Trump of politicizing the disaster and said Newsom was focused on protecting people and making sure firefighters had the resources they needed.

US President Joe Biden said he has pledged additional federal resources to help California after the “most devastating wildfire” in the state’s history.

Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal are among the celebrities whose homes have been destroyed by wildfires.

Hilton, a hotel heiress and reality TV star, shared a video of the remains of her property on social media and said the “heartbreak is truly indescribable.”

Actor Crystal said in a statement that he and his wife, Janice, were “heartbroken” by the loss of their Pacific Palisades home, where they had lived since 1979.

TV presenter Ricky Lake said she had lost her “dream home”, adding: “I grieve with everyone who is suffering during this apocalyptic event.”

US The Office star Rainn Wilson has shared a video of his burning home and said there are “valuable lessons” to be learned from bushfires.

Actors Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Anna Faris and Cary Elwes also reportedly lost their homes.

Meanwhile, Pacific Palisades resident actor Steve Guttenberg helped move parked cars to make room for firefighters.

“It’s not a parking lot,” he told KTLA. “I have friends over there and they can’t evacuate.”

As you know, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in California, invited friends and relatives who were forced to evacuate to their home.

In a statement on their website, Harry and Meghan said: “If a friend, loved one or pet needs to evacuate and you can offer them a safe haven in your home, please do so.”