Here in Oregon, our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastating wildfires ravaging our neighbors to the south in California. The destruction unfolding in Los Angeles County hits close to home, as we’ve faced our own battles with fire in recent years. From the Eagle Creek Fire that scorched the Columbia River Gorge in 2017 to the massive infernos that swept through southern Oregon in 2020, we understand the pain and resilience required to rebuild after such catastrophic losses. Today, we extend our thoughts, prayers, and solidarity to those in California enduring unimaginable destruction.

At least five major fires are currently burning across the Los Angeles area, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Sunset fires, which have collectively scorched over 45 square miles. Officials have issued evacuation orders for roughly 179,000 people, and tragically, five lives have been lost. More than 1,300 structures have been destroyed, with over 60,000 more under threat as strong winds continue to fan the flames. Three of the largest blazes—the Palisades and Eaton fires, as well as the Hollywood Hills’ Sunset Fire—remained largely uncontained as of Thursday morning, with fire crews working tirelessly to combat the devastation.

🚨 JUST IN: The Pacific Palisades Fire is now the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, per AP

Thousands of structures have now been reduced to ash.

Trump warned them countless times, and Dems didn’t want to listen.

This didn’t need to happen. pic.twitter.com/CMo75ljx3Z

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 8, 2025

The Palisades Fire, which has become the largest blaze in Los Angeles County, has already consumed nearly 27 square miles and destroyed hundreds of structures. The Eaton Fire, burning in the hills above Altadena, has been particularly deadly, claiming five lives, burning over 16 square miles, and destroying almost 1,000 structures. Meanwhile, the Sunset Fire erupted in the iconic Hollywood Hills, sparking new rounds of evacuations on Wednesday before fire crews managed to stop its advance by Thursday morning. Two smaller blazes—the Hurst Fire, which has burned 855 acres, and the Lidia Fire, at 348 acres—are also threatening homes and communities, with containment efforts ongoing.

Landmarks Lost to the Flames

Just as we Oregonians mourned the damage to Multnomah Falls Lodge and the beloved trails of the Columbia Gorge during the Eagle Creek Fire, Californians are now watching their own cherished landmarks succumb to the flames:

• Palisades Charter High School, featured in iconic films such as Teen Wolf, Carrie, and Freaky Friday, suffered extensive damage. The school’s classrooms, bungalows, tennis courts, and baseball field were affected, according to the Los Angeles Unified School District.
• At the Will Rogers State Historic Park, a 300-acre property once owned by actor Will Rogers, several structures were destroyed, including Rogers’ historic home.
• The Getty Villa, a renowned museum housing Greek and Roman art, remains structurally intact but is temporarily closed. Flames scorched vegetation and trees surrounding the property, narrowly sparing the building.
• The Topanga Ranch Motel, originally built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst, was reduced to rubble. Located in Topanga State Park, the historic bungalow had been slated for restoration.
• Theatre Palisades, a community institution established in 1963, sustained severe damage. Operations are indefinitely suspended, though its team remains hopeful, stating, “We will rise again.”
• The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a century-old religious institution, was lost to the fire. Thankfully, officials confirmed the Torah scrolls were safely recovered.

Other Iconic Locations Affected

Much like Oregon’s Phoenix and Talent communities, which were decimated by the Almeda Fire, California has seen its beloved local businesses and recreational sites destroyed:

• The Altadena Golf Course, established in 1910, sustained significant damage, with its clubhouse completely destroyed.
• Reel Inn, a Malibu favorite for fresh seafood, was consumed by the flames.
• The Malibu Feed Bin, a long-standing pet supply and gift shop founded in 1966, announced the loss of its iconic location.

Celebrity Homes Lost

The fires have also claimed the homes of numerous celebrities, mirroring the personal losses many Oregonians suffered during our own wildfires:

• Actors Adam Brody and Leighton Meester lost their Pacific Palisades home, valued at $6.5 million.
• Paris Hilton evacuated her Malibu residence, which was later confirmed destroyed.
• Jamie Lee Curtis shared her fears of losing her home while appearing on The Tonight Show, calling on viewers to support others affected by the devastation.
• Honorary Palisades mayor Eugene Levy described the frightening experience of fleeing as “thick black smoke engulfed Temescal Canyon.”
• Billy Crystal and his wife, longtime Palisades residents, reportedly lost their home.
• Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren revealed that her nearly 30-year-old beach house was destroyed.
• Reality stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt confirmed the loss of their $3.8 million home.
• Actor Cary Elwes evacuated his Malibu property, later confirmed to be destroyed.
• Melissa Rivers, daughter of Joan Rivers, also lost her family home.

Affected Neighborhoods and High-Profile Residents

The fires have reached neighborhoods tied to some of Hollywood’s most prominent names. Among those under evacuation orders are Tom Hanks, Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and even Vice President Kamala Harris. Though it’s unclear if their homes were directly impacted, the danger remains palpable.

Among those affected are Vice President Kamala Harris and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose homes were directly threatened by the fires. Vice President Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were forced to evacuate their Los Angeles property as flames encroached on their neighborhood. Harris’ spokesman, Ernesto Aprezo, confirmed that no one was in the home at the time and expressed the Vice President’s deep concern for her neighbors, first responders, and Secret Service personnel. In a heartfelt statement, Harris noted, “As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities. I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained.”

Similarly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose Brentwood home was evacuated due to the Palisades Fire, shared his concerns. Kennedy, who transitioned from the Democratic Party to run as an independent in 2023, was in Washington, D.C., at the time, meeting with Sen. Bill Cassidy when he received the news. He expressed hope that his property would survive the blaze, highlighting the indiscriminate destruction caused by these fires. Despite their political differences, both Harris and Kennedy’s experiences underscore how natural disasters transcend boundaries, impacting lives and homes regardless of status or affiliation.nderscore how natural disasters transcend boundaries, impacting lives and homes regardless of status or affiliation.

A Sobering Big Number

The Pacific Palisades, where many of these homes and landmarks are located, has a median home price of $3.3 million. While prices peaked at $5 million in 2023, the destruction caused by these fires could have a lasting impact on the local real estate market.

Wildfires at a Glance

The fires ignited earlier this week and have since spread rapidly, consuming tens of thousands of acres. With dry conditions and strong winds fueling the flames, officials report at least five fatalities and the destruction of more than 2,000 buildings. Over 130,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. A red flag warning remains in effect, signaling ongoing fire risks as temperatures soar and humidity levels plummet.

In Oregon, we know all too well the challenges of recovery. From the raging Santiam Canyon fires to the devastating Holiday Farm Fire, we’ve seen our landscapes and communities changed forever. Yet we’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience of those who come together in the aftermath. As California navigates this crisis, we stand united with our neighbors, sending our thoughts, prayers, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Sources: Forbes, CBS News