Billy Crystal and his wife Janice are just a few of the many people who have lost their homes in a deadly wildfire sweeping through California. The couple lost their home of more than 46 years after the wildfire burned through the area.
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Crystal and Janice lived in Pacific Palisades, California. For days now, a wildfire has been burning through the area. Strong winds from a winter storm have fueled the flames, worsening the damage and spreading the fire. In a statement to People, Crystal confirmed that his home burned down in the inferno.
It's the place where he raised his children and also his grandchildren. The actor seemed to be a bit at a loss for words, but he did release a statement about the disaster.
"Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy," the actor's statement read.
Billy Crystal Releases Statement About Disaster
Crystal also gave some background on what the dwelling meant to him. More than anything, it's the memories within those walls that can't be replaced.
He said, "Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can't be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this."
The family is also praying for the emergency responders.
"We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders," Crystal's statement continued. "The Pacific Palisades is a resilient community of amazing people and we know in time it will rise again. It is our home."
The Palisades Fire is quite large with more than 15,000 acres on fire. There are in fact several wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles at the moment. Overworked firefighters have been struggling to contain many of these. So far, five people have died in the inferno.
Many others have lost their homes or have been displaced by the natural disaster.
