LIST: Iconic landmarks devastated by the Los Angeles fires
The fierce wildfires in city of Los Angeles, California are still going strong and continue to devastate many areas in its scorching wake.
Not only has it destroyed hundreds of civilian homes in the area, including multimillion-dollar houses of prominent celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Eugene Levy, and more, but the inferno has also impacted many cultural landmarks in the area.
Below are some of the historic structures that have been reduced to rubble and ash by the fires:
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center
The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center is a Conservative Jewish congregation, synagogue, and community center located in Pasadena, California.
Executive Director Melissa Levy confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that "the property is gone" following the fast-spreading fires. Fortunately, they were able to retrieve the congregation’s Torah scrolls before they were destroyed in the burning sanctuary, chapel, and classrooms.
They are now being safely stored in the home of a congregant.
The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is an educational center and art museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The establishment boasts around 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD.
While the center's surrounding areas were burned to a crisp by the fires, the Getty Villa itself narrowly escaped its blazing touch.
In a statement, the museum detailed that trees and vegetation on the property have burned, but structures were otherwise unaffected, and that both staff and the collections are safe.
"Getty had made extensive efforts to clear brush from the surrounding area as part of its fire mitigation efforts throughout the year. Additional fire prevention measures in place at the Villa include water storage on-site," the statement read.
"Irrigation was immediately deployed in parts of the grounds Tuesday morning. Museum galleries and library archives were sealed off from smoke by state-of-the-art air handling systems. The double-walled construction of the galleries also provides significant protection for the collections," it added.
The Bunny Museum
From its name, the Bunny Museum is a museum that showcases all sorts of items rabbit-related items such as ceramic figures, antiquities, and stuffed rabbits. After it opened to the public in 1998, it has since been acknowledged by Guinness World Records for "owning the most bunny items in the world."
Sadly, its co-founders Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski announced on the museum's Instagram page that the structure fell victim to the fires.
"Saved only a few bunny items. Saved the cats and bunnies. The museum was the last building to burn around us as Steve so valiantly hosed the building down all night long, but when the building next door went down, it spread to the museum," they stated.
Theatre Palisades
Theatre Palisades is a community theater and playhouse for main-stage productions, youth productions, and special theater events.
Its sister company Kentwood Players announced that the theater was also among the structures that had burned to the ground amid the intense inferno.
"Our hearts go out to the entire Theater Palisades family-staff, artists, volunteers, and patrons. This tragedy not only impacts the incredible performances they've brought to life, but also the vibrant community they've fostered over the years," Kentwood Players said.
"Theater is more than just a space; it's a place for stories, dreams, and connection. We know Theater Palisades will rise again, and we will be with them every step of the way," they continued.
Will Rogers’ Ranch House
This unassuming ranch house is notable for being the estate of Will Rogers, the most popular and highest-paid actor in Hollywood of the early 1930s.
Unfortunately, the California State Parks revealed that the 31-room ranch suffered total destruction from the fires, with just two brick fireplaces still standing in place amid the rubble.
"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the current wildfires in Southern California," they said.
Moonshadows Malibu
After 36 years, Moonshadows, the iconic restaurant overlooking the ocean in Malibu, was affected by the devastating fires.
Loyal patrons on social media paid tribute, sharing the memories they've had at the restaurant.
