Los Angeles is currently grappling with some of the most destructive wildfires in its history. The devastating wildfires have forced thousands to flee their homes, with flames raging across over 27,000 acres. The California Governor has declared a state of emergency as the situation has been worsened by high winds and dry conditions.
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Residents in areas like Pacific Palisades and Sylmar face destroyed properties, blocked roads, and ongoing danger. Many celebs have lost their homes in the fire that has destroyed over 1000 structures. Amidst this Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also under threat due to potential power outages and the looming possibility of evacuation.
Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle safe in LA?
This comes just days after it was reported that Harry and Meghan’s LA has more than doubled in value. Now the sprawling £24 million Montecito mansion is at risk as wildfires burn across Los Angeles County, reports The Independent.
While Montecito itself has not yet been hit by flames, the neighbourhood has been flagged as a ‘high fire risk’ area by Southern California Edison (SCE). The power company is considering Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which could leave the Duke and Duchess without electricity or communication lines.
Its online property checker tool says of Harry and Meghan’s residence:
This location is in a High Fire Risk Area. Power may be shut off during a PSPS to prevent wildfires.
Increased fire risk conditions are expected in this area from 1/7/2025 – 6pm PST to 1/8/2025 – 9am PST. Be prepared for a PSPS during this time, although we may avoid shut-offs.
The closest wildfire is currently burning in Malibu, 70 miles from Montecito, reports MailOnline. The Sussexes’ neighbourhood has experienced significant wildfire threats before, notably in the 2017 Thomas Fire, which scorched over 282,000 acres.
Celebrities who have lost homes in the LA fires
As LA’s wildfires continue to wreak havoc, several high-profile celebrities have already faced devastating losses. Billy Crystal, for instance, lost his Pacific Palisades home, a place he described as being ‘filled with beautiful memories,’ reports BBC.
Hotel heiress Paris Hilton revealed she saw her home in Malibu burning down on live TV. Mandy Moore’s home in Altadena was also reduced to ash, prompting her to share her heartbreak on Instagram, stating:
Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.
Notable losses also include Diane Warren’s beachfront house, Miles Teller’s Pacific Palisades residence, and properties belonging to Star Wars’ Mark Hamill and General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison.
Meanwhile, James Woods and Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy described their narrow escapes, reports AP News. Levy recounted ‘intense, black smoke’ enveloping his neighbourhood.
Other stars like Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, and Tom Hanks have homes in the affected areas, with many still awaiting news about whether their properties survived the flames.
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Sources used:
The Independent: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face evacuation and power outages at Montecito home amid LA wildfires
MailOnline: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face having power cut to their £24m Montecito mansion as Palisades wildfires ravage California
BBC: Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton among celebrities to lose homes in wildfires
AP News: Celebrities among those who lost homes as devastating Los Angeles fires
