Mel Gibson, the 69-year-old Hollywood star and director, has lost his California home to the devastating Palisades fire. The wildfire, which rapidly spread through his neighborhood, destroyed the Malibu mansion he had lived in for 15 years. Gibson was in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience when the fire erupted.

Fortunately, Gibson’s longtime girlfriend, Rosalind Ross, and their seven-year-old son, Lars Gerard Gibson, managed to evacuate safely before the flames reached their property. During his conversation with Joe Rogan, Gibson expressed concerns about the wildfire threatening his neighborhood, stating, “The area is on fire,” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the crisis. He remarked sarcastically, “I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel.”

When Gibson returned to California, he found that his $14.5 million mansion had been completely destroyed. Speaking on Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, the actor shared his reaction: “I thought, ‘Eh, I wonder if my place is still there.’ When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there.”

The sprawling estate, which Gibson purchased in 2008 for $11.5 million, had been a prominent feature of his life for years. Built in 1996, the five-bedroom mansion boasted a grand, old-world aesthetic with a castle-like turret. While Gibson had been trying to sell the property for some time—reducing its asking price by $3 million—the loss of his home hit him hard.

Gibson reflected on the emotional impact of losing irreplaceable personal belongings. “I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can’t get back,” he admitted. “Everything from photographs to files, personal items from over the years, even clothing—stuff that had meaning.” However, the Braveheart star emphasized that his family’s safety was his primary concern. “These are only things,” he said. “The good news is that my family and loved ones are safe, healthy, and out of harm’s way. That’s all that matters.”

Describing the devastation in his neighborhood, Gibson noted the complete destruction left by the fire. “I’ve never seen such a complete burn,” he said. Other celebrities in the area also reportedly suffered losses, including Gibson’s neighbor, actor Ed Harris, and high-profile figures such as Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal. “It was completely toasted,” Gibson said about his property.

Despite the tragedy, Gibson attempted to lighten the mood with humor. “I went home and said to myself, ‘Well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.’” He added that his chickens had miraculously survived, calling it “amazing.”

Reflecting on the broader implications of the wildfire crisis, Gibson criticized the authorities’ handling of the disaster. He told Fox News, “Apparently, some people were asleep on the job—mainly our leaders. Kids are traumatized. Someone should answer for it.”

The California wildfires have wreaked havoc on countless lives, including high-profile residents like Gibson. The destruction serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires in the state. Gibson’s story is a testament to resilience, gratitude for safety, and the painful realities faced by those affected.