The historic home of movie cowboy legend Will Rogers and buildings at Topanga State Park have been destroyed by wildfires raging in Los Angeles, according to a California State Parks news release.
At Will Rogers State Historic Park (WRSHP), home to Hollywood's highest-paid actor in the 1930s, a home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica has been destroyed.
Before and after photos from a California state park showed the devastation of the ranch, with only the fireplace remaining.
“State Parks was able to evacuate some of the cultural and historical artifacts at Will Rogers SHP, including horses and artwork, prior to the fire,” the release states.
California wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, forcing thousands to evacuate
The living room of Will Rogers' ranch house (left) and the living room of the house after the fire. (California State Parks, via X)
American sound engineer Franklin Hansen (left), actor and writer Will Rogers, and Scottish-born director Frank Lloyd stand on the podium at the 1934 Academy Awards in Los Angeles. (New York Times/Getty Images)
At Topanga State Park, the Topanga Ranch Motel and concession building were destroyed, the agency said.
A park employee's home was also lost in the fire, according to the release. In total, more than 30 buildings were engulfed between the two state parks.
“California State Parks mourns the loss of these precious natural and cultural resources and extends our hearts to everyone affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” said Armando Quintero, State Parks Director. said.
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A wildfire in Malibu, California destroyed the Topanga Ranch Motel and concession building at Topanga State Park. (California State Park)
California State Parks officials are on the scene recovering artifacts and assessing the damage.
“Since [Tuesday] This afternoon, we are committing all available resources to emergency response efforts and working to ensure the safety and protection of affected nearby state parks to the best of our ability,'' Secretary Quintero said. We deeply appreciate the quick response of park staff and all partner agencies.” action. Our top priority remains the safety of the public, our employees, and our responders who are valiantly fighting the fire. ”
As of Wednesday afternoon, six wildfires were burning in Los Angeles County, including in the Pacific Palisades and Sylmar areas of Los Angeles and another near the city of Pasadena.
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Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told Fox News that five people had died in the Eaton Fire as of Wednesday afternoon.
