Liam Hemsworth’s emotional tribute to ‘hero’ firefighters amid California tragedy
Devastating fires have caused havoc in the US, destroying towns and killing dozens. Now Miley Cyrus has brought the crisis home.
LIAM Hemsworth has shared an emotional tribute to firefighters after losing the home he shares with girlfriend Miley Cyrus in the devastating California wildfires.
The scene in the US has been described as an “apocalypse”, with the deadliest fires the state has ever seen destroying the once-lush forest town of Paradise and killing at least 42 people.
Authorities have moved to set up a rapid DNA-analysis system and bring in cadaver dogs, mobile morgues and more search teams in an intensified effort to find and identify victims.
More than 200 people are reportedly still unaccounted for and officials have warned that the death count will almost certainly rise.
Around 300,000 people were forced to flee their homes as the blaze swept through hills around Malibu, decimating thousands of properties, including those of some well-known celebrities.
Hemsworth and Cyrus were among the thousands who returned home to find that it was basically razed to the ground.
Both have since taken to social media to share photos of the devastation and praise the brave efforts of the 5000 “hero” firefighters battling the blaze.
Cyrus shared before-and-after photos highlighting the devastation:
“It’s been a heartbreaking few days. This is what’s left of my house. Love,” Hemsworth wrote on Instagram, alongside a shocking photo of his decimated house.
“Many people in Malibu and surrounding areas in California have lost their homes also and my heart goes out to everyone who was affected by these fires.
“I spent the day in Malibu yesterday and it was amazing to see the community pulling together to help each other out in any way they can. Malibu is a strong community and this event is only going to make it stronger.
“Thankful for the all the great local guys that helped keep smaller fires out around my property. I love you guys. I love you Malibu. Thank you to all the hero firefighters around California. It’s going to be a journey to rebuild. Stay strong all.”
Meanwhile, despite losing their home, Cyrus wrote that she knew the couple were some of “the lucky ones”.
all I have left. Sending so much love and gratitude to the firefighters and LA country Sheriff’s department! If you are interested in getting involved see next tweet....
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) November 12, 2018
Donate $ , Time , Supplies
I love you more than ever , Miley
Amid the heartache, one celebrity doing what she can to help: Lady Gaga visited shelters, comforting the displaced and emergency workers, even bringing them pizzas and gift cards.
Help people affected by the #CaliforniaFire by visiting https://t.co/5Dmboe4Eb9 call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make $10 donation. Includes shelter,food,water,physical and mental health resources as well as emotional support. pic.twitter.com/chritdoN9t
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) November 14, 2018
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West reportedly hired a team of “private firefighters” to help save their mansion and their neighbours’ homes from the fires, the team digging out trenches to combat the blaze.
300 actor Gerard Butler shared this startling photo, having returned to his Malibu home to find it had been destroyed by the fire:
Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at https://t.co/ei7c7F7cZx. pic.twitter.com/AcBcLtKmDU
— Gerard Butler (@GerardButler) November 11, 2018
Blurred Lines singer Robin Thicke and his girlfriend April Love Geary also lost their Malibu home, Geary documenting the damage on Instagram:
Thicke had purchased the house in 2014 for $US2.4 million. Further photos show what’s now left of the home:
Director Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism Of Emily Rose, Marvel’s Doctor Strange) also lost his home:
Just a quick update to say that I’m overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of love and support. Thank you to everyone who messaged me, and for the dozens upon dozens of you who offered us a place to stay. We are blessed and grateful to be safe and so loved. ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/5i4InDTs8S
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) November 10, 2018
A friend drove to my home while it was smoldering and took this mesmerizing pic. The interior is cooked but the sole fireman needs to ensure that other homes in my neighborhood don’t catch fire.
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) November 11, 2018
Thank God and this firefighter, they didn’t. pic.twitter.com/lXhTZQvYsq
“What do you even do when this happens?” one of Derrickson’s followers asked him. “Keep on keepin’ on,” he replied.
Camille Grammer, Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star and ex-wife to Kelsey Grammer, lost her home:
Paradise, a picturesque town home to 27,000, 280km north of San Francisco, was almost totally destroyed.
“Ninety-five per cent of the town is gone,” Paradise council member Michael Zuccolillo told the San Francisco Chronicle.
“The remaining 5 per cent of buildings are barely standing. I felt like I was living in a bad dream. It was unrecognisable. I had to keep asking, ‘Where are we?’ All the landmarks are gone. Block by block, nothing. Anybody who had a house in Paradise probably doesn’t anymore.”
Nine people from the town died including five who were burned alive in their cars as they attempted to flee down a wooded country road that was engulfed by flames.
Mr Trump’s initial response to the blaze shocked firefighters when he posted a bizarre tweet during his trip to France for Armistice commemorations.
“There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!” Mr Trump tweeted.
He later followed up by tweeting: “With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!”
More than 5000 firefighters battling the blaze made gains overnight, slowing the flames’ advance toward Oroville, a town of about 19,000 people. The fire, which has charred 505sq km and destroyed more than 6400 homes since it started Thursday, was reported 30 per cent contained.
— with AP
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