#FuryOfNature: California wildfire destroys 'Westworld' set, celebrity homes
What's the story
The state of California is fighting wildfires that have been raging for the past couple of days. Despite the brave attempts by firefighters, the wildfire dubbed the Woolsey Fire, has wreaked havoc. Among the people and properties affected are several celebrity homes and the set where HBO's 'Westworld' was shot. Here we look at how the fire adversely affected Hollywood's who's who.
Information
What are wildfires, and why does California have them?
Wildfires are caused in California between Spring and late Autumn, due to a combination of hot, dry and windy weather. These fires are fanned by strong dry winds and are worsening over the years due to climate change and residential encroachment in rural burn areas.
Set burning
How the wildfire affected the 'Westworld' set
The Paramount Ranch, a 2,700-acre site, offering lush, panoramic views of Santa Monica mountains, served as the shooting location for 'Westworld' season 1 and 2. The National Park Service, responsible for operating the site, posted it had burned down. HBO responded, 'Westworld' was not currently being produced and the area had been evacuated. The network then expressed solidarity with people affected by the fire.
Twitter Post
Check out the tweet here
We are sorry to share the news that the #WoolseyFire has burned Western Town at #ParamountRanch in Agoura. We do not have any details or photos, but it is our understanding that the structures have burned. This area is an active part of the incident and we cannot access it. pic.twitter.com/oC4n7KR8ZT
— Santa Monica Mtns (@SantaMonicaMtns) November 9, 2018
Celebrity homes
All memories are traces of ash
Apart from the 'Westworld' set, the mansion where ABC's show 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' is shot, was also in danger. However, recent updates suggest, it is safe now. The celebrity homes affected include Caitlyn Jenner's, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's, Gigi and Bella Hadid's childhood home, Orlando Bloom's and Lady Gaga's. As these celebrities were forced to evacuate, Lady Gaga expressed solidarity.
Twitter Post
Lady Gaga shows her solidarity
I am thinking so deeply for everyone who is suffering today from these abominable fires grieving the loss of their homes or loved ones. I’m sitting here with many of you wondering if my home will burst into flames. All we can do is pray together for each other. God Bless You.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) November 10, 2018
Trump speaks
The man in the High Castle
While celebrities were forced to evacuate and the fires continued destroying property and bringing the death toll to 23, President Donald Trump, decided to turn devastation into a political issue. He blamed the disaster on poor forest management and threatened to cut off federal payments if concerned authorities did not remedy themselves. Notably, around $3 billion of taxpayers' money goes to fighting wildfires yearly.
Twitter Post
Check out Trump's tweet
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
Reactions
Trump puts the ire in wildfire
Naturally, Trump's comment was not well received. Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio pointed out that assistance to victims and fire relief efforts should never be partisan issues and that wildfires had worsened due to climate change and drought. Katy Perry, the pop singer, too called Trump's response heartless. Most importantly, the California Firefighters President Brian Rice called Trump's attack ill-timed, ill-informed and demeaning to firefighters.