Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi Forced To Evacuate California Home As Thomas Fire Looms
The Thomas Fire has forced Ellen DeGeneres to evacuate her pets from her home in California.
On Monday, the television host shared to her followers that her home is under the threat of being burned by the recent wildfire. DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, are among the thousands of families affected by the Thomas Fire.
"Our house is under threat of being burned. We just had to evacuate our pets," the TV personality tweeted. "I'm praying for everyone in our community and thankful to all the incredible firefighters."
She, however, assured that her neighbors are looking out for each other in this time of distress.
Everyone in the Montecito area is checking up on each other and helping to get people and animals to safety. I'm proud to be a part of this community. I'm sending lots of love and gratitude to the fire department and sheriffs. Thank you all. #ThomasFire
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 10, 2017
According to E! News, DeGeneres' home is located in Carpinteria, close to Santa Barbara. The county, along with Ventura, is affected by the Thomas Fires. On Sunday, mandatory evacuation in the areas affected has been ordered by the local authorities.
DeGeneres and de Rossi are reportedly living with several cats and dogs in their $18.6-million beachfront house. The celebrity couple also owns a property in the Santa Barbara.
Celebrity Homes Affected
Carpinteria and nearby town Montecito are homes to several celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Jane Seymour, Jeff Bridges, Al Gore, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, George Lucas, Oprah Winfrey, and Patrick Stewart. As of this writing, it is still unknown whether these personalities have abandoned their homes for safety.
Meanwhile, Lea Michelle, Chelsea Handler, Lionel Richie, and Chrissy Teigen have already evacuated. The fire also impacted Kylie Jenner's cosmetics factory in Ventura County. Paris Hilton also tweeted last week that her pets have been evacuated from her home in L.A.
This wild fire in LA is terrifying! My house is now being evacuated to get all of my pets out of there safely. Thank you to all the firefighters who are risking their lives to save ours. You are true heroes! pic.twitter.com/6uYBUh1pjV
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) December 6, 2017
Actor Rob Lowe (Parks & Recreation) was also forced to pack his bags and evacuate. He shared on Twitter that the fire is nearing his town.
Praying for my town. Fires closing in. Firefighters making brave stands. Could go either way. Packing to evacuate now.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 10, 2017
Thomas Fire's Wrath
The Thomas Fire has forced more than 88,000 people to evacuate from their homes. Los Angeles Times reported that around 8,500 firefighters are trying to suppress the six wildfires around California.
By Sunday, authorities revealed that 230,000 acres were affected by the wildfire. Over 524 structures were destroyed and another 135 were damaged in the city of Ventura alone. The Thomas Fire has become the fifth largest wildfire in the modern history of California.
Carpinteria, in particular, is in danger. The dry vegetation around the area could hasten the spread of the fire. Schools in Santa Barbara County have already canceled classes. Some will not open until the New Year.
