A week after the California wildfires first began, the blaze – intensified by dangerous winds and dry weather – continues to escalate, with at least 24 killed and entire neighbourhoods decimated. The before and after images of the LA fires are a haunting visual representation of the sheer magnitude of destruction and a sobering reminder of reality as firefighters continue to battle on the front lines.
Thousands of homes have been lost across the Pacific Palisades and Eton communities of LA, including the homes of a number of high profile celebrities who have shared their loss with the world.
But they’re not the only ones, of course, who have suffered such an incredible loss.
The latest figures show that the Palisades fire has burned over 23,700 acres and still threatens residential areas as it continues to blaze.
Likewise, the Eaton fire has decimated more than 14,000 acres and while its spread has slowed (for now), it’s still only 35 per cent contained and with hot winds rising, residents in the surrounding areas remain on high alert.
Below, the reality of the wreckage can be seen in these harrowing before and after images of the LA Fires.
La Fires Before And After: In Pictures
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is just one of the many Palisades residents who have lost their homes in the LA fires, as evidenced by these harrowing before and after images.
On Jan 10, the actor posted to his Instagram account acknowledging the efforts of those still battling the fires and sending a heartbreaking, but poignant message about what really matters.
He wrote, “As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, it’s important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.”
Leighton Meester & Adam Brody
Just days before Leighton Meester and Adam Brody’s Palisades home was decimated by wildfire, the pair were seen celebrating at the Golden Globes, where no one could possibly imaging what was to come.
The pair reportedly purchased their five-bedroom, six-bathroom Palisades home in 2019, where they’ve raised their two children, since.
Neither party have commented on the loss at the time of writing, but one can only imagine what they’re going through.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton’s Malibu residence burnt to the ground during the most recent LA fires – as seen here in the terrifying before and after images.
As soon as it was safe for her to do so, she returned to the scene of the devastation only to find that her home – along with those of her neighbours – had been completely destroyed.
Sharing a post to Instagram to thank all the first responders and assure people that she and her family were safe, she also shared a pertinent message about what losing a home really means, amid the disturbing rhetoric that’s been circling.
“I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock – I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.
“This house wasn’t just a place to live – it was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family. It was where Phoenix’s little hands made art that I’ll cherish forever, where love and life filled every corner. To see it reduced to ashes… it’s devastating beyond words.”
Continuing, she said: “What breaks my heart even more is knowing that this isn’t just my story. So many people have lost everything. It’s not just walls and roofs – it’s the memories that made those houses homes. It’s the photos, the keepsakes, the irreplaceable pieces of our lives.”
Anna Faris
Actress Anna Faris’s home was lost as the deadly fired blew through her community in the Pacific Palisades last week.
At the time, a representative for the actress shared a message to say “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful,” as news broke of the family’s suffering.
Harris purchased the home in 2019 after her divorce from Chris Pratt. The home is where she was raising their son, Jack, 12.
The star is just one of tens of thousands of residents who have lost everything in the deadliest wildfires in Californian history.
Billy Crystal
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice shared the heartbreaking news of their home’s destruction – a home they’d lived in for 46 years – on Jan 8 in a statement with People.
“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbours who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” said Crystal.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
“We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders,” Crystal’s statement continued. “The Pacific Palisades is a resilient community of amazing people and we know in time it will rise again. It is our home.”
Related articles:
- Celebrities Mourn Homes Lost In The LA Fires
- The Prisoner Firefighters Battling California’s Devastating Wildfires
- Why Social Media’s Reactions To The LA Fires Are So Disturbing