Olivia Newton-John and “Titanic” director James Cameron may soon be sifting through charred remains of their homes if fierce Santa Ana winds don’t shift or die down. The celebrities are just a handful of Malibu residents whose palatial mansions are in the path of a raging wildfire. Hundreds in the area have been forced to evacuate their properties, including the family of country music superstar Tanya Tucker.
Other celebs whose Malibu mansions are in danger include Jennifer Aniston, Nick Nolte, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Howie Mandel, Jeff Bridges, David Arquette and Courteney Cox, Linda Ronstandt, Goldie Hawn, Mel Gibson, Sting, Bill Murray, Tatum O’Neal, and Rob Reiner.
According to news reports, the fire that is threatening the stars’ homes started when arcing power lines were blown over by Santa Ana winds that gusted in excess of 100 mph. The downed lines reportedly ignited dry brush (California is in the middle of one of the worst droughts in decades) and the massive fire is said to have already burned more than 1200 acres, including the Malibu landmark Hodge Castle. The property, also known as Malibu Castle, is owned by socialite Lilly Lawrence who often hosts charity events there. The castle was also reportedly home to an extensive collection of priceless Elvis Presley memorabilia. The entire structure was engulfed by flames and destroyed—no word on whether there was enough time to save any of the castle’s contents. (I can’t imagine how Lawrence took the news. According to news report, the castle was in Escrow and set to have the final walk-through this week.)
Fire officials also confirm that nearby Malibu Presbyterian Church was completely destroyed along with two private mansions and four businesses. The brush fire is now affecting the area north of the famous (or infamous) Pacific Coast Highway and flames are now approaching Pepperdine University. Flames jumped the Pacific Coast Highway this afternoon and destroyed one home that sits along the ocean. In addition, the LG House Malibu has reportedly been scorched as well. The million-dollar beachfront pad was home to several high profile Hollywood parties this summer, including a massive shindig to celebrate the season premiere of MTV’s “The Hills.”
If there is any good news in all of this it’s that no one has been injured in the fast-moving blaze.