Mel Gibson says home burned down in LA wildfires

Mel Gibson has revealed that his house was destroyed in Los Angeles when he went to record Joe Rogan’s podcast.

The Oscar-winning movie star said his Malibu property was “blown up” and blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the trouble.

At least 10 people have died in the wildfires, which have burned thousands of homes and displaced thousands of people.

Many celebrities have described how their belongings have been lost, while authorities have warned that the storm could continue to fuel the wildfires.

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

“It’s devastating, it’s emotional,” Gibson said on NewsNation Elizabeth Vargas Reports.

“I am relieved of my belongings because they are all in cinders.”

The Braveheart actor said he had lived in his home for about 15 years and some of his neighbors’ houses were “gone”, including one belonging to actor Ed Harris.

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

In podcast with RoganGibson criticized the governor of California, saying Newsom said he would “take care of the forest” but “did nothing”.

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

Los Angeles is experiencing the worst wildfire in its history, which has destroyed 31,000 acres (12,500 hectares) and forced the evacuation of 180,000 people.

Five wildfires are still burning throughout the LA neighborhoods of Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst and Lidia.

California fire chief David Acuna told Radio 4’s Today program that 10,000 homes were believed to have been destroyed. He also warned that the winds coming in the coming days could also damage the area.

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

Newsom has defended the response and said federal officials are “throwing everything we can” to protect communities.

A spokeswoman for the embassy criticized Trump for meddling in politics and said Newsom is focused on protecting the public and making sure firefighters have what they need.

US President Joe Biden said he pledged to help the state of California after the “worst 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 TV personality, shared a video of the remains of her property on social media and said “the grief is indescribable”.

Actor Crystal said in a statement that he and his wife Janice were “heartbroken” to lose their Pacific Palisades home where they had lived since 1979.

TV presenter Ricki Lake said she had lost her “dream home”, adding: “My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy.”

US Office star Rainn Wilson shared a video of his burning home and said there was an “important lesson” to be learned from the wildfires.

Actors Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Anna Faris and Cary Elwes also said their homes were damaged.

Meanwhile, actor Steve Guttenberg, a resident of Pacific Palisades, helped move parked cars to make way for fire trucks.

“This is not a parking lot,” he told KTLA. “I have friends up there and they can’t leave.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in California, are said to have invited their friends and loved ones home who were forced to move.

In a statement on their website, Harry and Meghan said, “If a friend, loved one, or pet is gone, and you can provide them with a safe place in your home, please do.”