LA wildfires: Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and Anthony Hopkins among heartbroken stars who have lost homes

Wildfires are burning across southern California with celebrities among those to lose their properties

Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal are among the celebrities who have lost their homes in the wildfires raging across Los Angeles.

Thousands of firefighters were attempting to contain the original LA fire in Palisades, which has burnt nearly 16,000 acres, and seven others across southern California which threaten to destroy more homes and lives as strong winds scattered embers.

The wildfires have seen the city declare a state of emergency, with at least 70,000 people forced to evacuate their homes as the metropolitan area became blanketed in a thick cloud of smoke and ash.

The latest update saw a new fire break out in the Hollywood Hills, threatening a host of tourist sites including the Walk of Fame.

US socialite Hilton said she was “heartbroken beyond words” to see her Malibu home “burn to the ground on live TV” as she watched the news with her family – including her son Phoenix and daughter London whom she shares with husband Carter Reum.

“This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London,” she said in a post on Instagram.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe.”

It comes months after a trailer on the set of her Bad Bitch Academy music video set fire, which saw “so many of my favourite things destroyed”, Hilton said at the time.

Meanwhile, US actor Crystal, and his wife Janice, have confirmed their home of 46 years was destroyed in the blaze.

“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing,” the couple said in a joint statement given to the PA news agency.