Daily Express

Death toll in California fires hits 31

- By David Pilditch

MORE than 200 people were missing last night as the death toll from deadly wildfires raging across California rose to 31.

The true horror of the deadliest inferno on record in the region has yet to emerge as up to 250,000 fled for their lives from unrelentin­g flames.

British actor Gerard Butler, 48, singer and songwriter Neil Young, 73, and pop star Miley Cyrus are among celebritie­s whose homes have been reduced to ash.

Kim Kardashian, Caitlyn Jenner and Lady Gaga were among the stars evacuated from their homes as firefighte­rs battled the blaze.

Miley, 25, described herself as “one of the lucky ones”.

The star, who is engaged to Australian actor Liam Hemsworth, confirmed the couple had managed to escape.

She tweeted: “Completely devastated by the fires affecting my community. I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and love of my life made it out safely and that’s all that matters right now.

“My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family and friends stand strong. I am grateful for all I have left.

“Sending so much love and gratitude to the firefighte­rs and LA county Sheriff’s department.”

Scots-born Mr Butler posted a photo of the remains of his Malibu home on Instagram on Sunday, thanking firefighte­rs for their “courage”. In one post the actor said his house is “half gone”.

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 ?? Picture: ERIC THAYER/REUTERS ?? A plane drops flame retardant on Malibu. The homes of stars Neil Young and Miley Cyrus, inset, were destroyed
Picture: ERIC THAYER/REUTERS A plane drops flame retardant on Malibu. The homes of stars Neil Young and Miley Cyrus, inset, were destroyed

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