Mel Gibson, 69, lost his Malibu home of 15 years to the devastating Palisades fire. While Gibson was in Austin, Texas, recording The Joe Rogan Experience, his girlfriend, Rosalind Ross, and their seven-year-old son, Lars, evacuated safely before the flames reached their property.

Upon returning to California, Gibson found his $14.5 million estate reduced to ashes. “I thought, ‘Eh, I wonder if my place is still there.’ When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t,” he said. Despite losing personal and sentimental items, Gibson focused on his family’s safety, stating, “These are only things. What matters is that my family and loved ones are safe.”

The mansion, purchased in 2008, featured a castle-like design and held years of memories. Gibson noted the fire’s devastation, adding, “I’ve never seen such a complete burn.” Neighbors like Ed Harris and other celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal, also suffered losses. Finding a moment of humor, Gibson joked, “At least I haven’t got any pesky plumbing problems anymore,” while marveling that his chickens survived.

Criticizing authorities for their handling of the wildfire, Gibson said, “Kids are traumatized. Someone should answer for it.” His experience reflects the resilience and gratitude required in facing California’s wildfire crisis, serving as a reminder of the disaster’s profound impact.