Bel-Air Mansions Hit by Fires
Share:
Another wildfire has erupted in California, consuming several homes in the Bel-Air area, as it spread over 150 acres. The so-called Skirball Fire is the latest eruption in the state, which has already seen its fair share of wildfires this year. The largest of which, the Thomas Fire, covered 90,000 acres.
By Wednesday night, California’s fire service said that the fire had threatened 12,000 buildings, destroyed 150 and was only 5% contained. Evacuation orders have remained in many areas as strong winds aided the spread of the flames.
The head of California’s fire response, Ken Pimlott said ‘There will be no ability to fight fires in this kind of wind.’
Evacuations will be prioritised as well, he said.
The nearby University of California, LA (UCLA) has cancelled all classes on Thursday. The campsite lies outside of the evacuation, however, but said the decision was made ‘given the array of uncertainties’.
Other schools in the area have also closed their doors for now.
The Bel-Air neighbourhood is home to the likes of Beyoncé and Elon Musk.
Lionel Richie cancelled a Las Vegas performance scheduled for last night, saying on Twitter:
Due to the devastating California Wildfires, and helping family evacuate to a safer place, I unfortunately have to cancel my show tonight. I look forward to returning to the stage this weekend and performing for my fans… https://t.co/tRMXiPOqUp
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) December 6, 2017
A large estate and vineyard owned by Rupert Murdoch was also threatened by the fire, suffering some damage also. He paid $28.8m for the estate four years ago, which is 12 times what the ‘average’ family home price is in Bel-Air.
Wildfires have scarred the west coast, with three active fires still raging. North of LA we have the Creek Fire, which is also only 5% contained and covers some 12,600 acres. It has only taken four buildings, however, given how sparsely the area is populated.
If you’re in the area, be ready to evacuate and stay safe. It’s likely that these fires won’t go out easily so have a bag ready just in case.