Topics: Environment, US News, World News, Celebrity
Mel Gibson was left 'devastated' after losing his multi-million dollar mansion while filming for the Joe Rogan podcast as a result of wildfires ripping through LA.
Out-of-control fires are completely decimating parts of Los Angeles, with ten people having been confirmed deceased by the LA Medical Examiner's Department (via Sky News), and evacuation has been necessary for many who live and own businesses there - including celebrities.
LA is known for being an A-list hotspot, but no one is safe in the hands of a natural disaster - with celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Adam Brody all having lost their homes to the devastating flames.
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It was announced earlier today a local man had been arrested on suspicion of arson after another new wildfire started up in California, which police say is being 'investigated as a crime'.
Actor Mel Gibson is among those who lost their abode to the flames, but revealed that he was filming an episode of the Joe Rogan podcast while it was burning down.
In an emotional interview on NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports, he said (via the BBC): "It’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional.
"I was doing the Rogan podcast… And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighbourhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there."
Trying to find light in the situation, he added: "When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there. I went home and I said to myself, well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore."
Reflecting on special possessions he had lost, the star said: "I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can’t get back…
"All kinds of stuff, everything from photographs to files to, you know, you know, just personal things that I had from over the years, and clothing, you know, pretty cool stuff, you know, but you know that can all be replaced."
But the 69-year-old noted that he was trying to focus on what really matters, which is that his family and friends are all safe, as he confirmed his family had followed an evacuation notice and were all fine.
The Mad Max actor said: "The good news is that, you know, those in my family and those I love are all well, and we’re all happy and healthy and out of harm’s way, that’s all I can care about, really."
According to The Daily Mail, Mel has reportedly been trying to sell the property for a number of years, even reducing the asking price by several million dollars.
He purchased the property in 2008 for $11.5 million.
