The 43-year-old media personality’s home in Malibu, California, was destroyed by the Palisades Fire
As deadly wildfires continue to burn across parts of Southern California, Paris Hilton said that her 2-year-old son, Phoenix, has expressed a desire to become a first responder when he grows up.
“He said he wants to be a fireman,” the media personality told TMZ on Monday.
Hilton, 43, shares Phoenix and 1-year-old daughter London with her husband, entrepreneur Carter Reum.
The couple, who married in November 2021, lost their Malibu home amid the ongoing Los Angeles County fires.
The two largest wildfires—the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire—broke out on Jan. 7 and have scorched more than 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 15,000 structures, and killed 28 people, according to the the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Palisades fire, which erupted in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles near Malibu, is now 63 percent contained. The Eaton fire, which began near Altadena, just north of Pasadena, is currently 89 percent contained.
Hilton said that “the loss is overwhelming” but noted that she was grateful that her family and pets were unharmed.
“My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires. To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heartaches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses,” she penned.
“The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”
‘True Heroes’
In her Instagram post, Hilton praised the first responders still working to battle the blazes.
“To the brave firefighters and first responders risking their lives to protect us—you are true heroes,” she wrote.
“I am so grateful for your courage, dedication, and the incredible sacrifices you’re making to save lives and fight this unimaginable battle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The actress later created a fundraiser to help with emergency relief for young families and pets impacted by the fires.
“While I’ve lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much more—their homes, cherished keepsakes, the communities they loved, and their sense of stability,” she wrote on Jan. 10.
“As a mom, I can’t imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies so I’m launching an emergency fund through my nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced families with young children.”
The children’s rights advocate said she would personally match the first $100,000 raised for the fundraiser, which has garnered more than $600,000.
Hilton also spent time volunteering at Pasadena Humane—an animal shelter in Pasadena, California—to help animals affected by the wildfires.
On Jan. 14, she revealed in an Instagram video that she was fostering Zuzu, a 3-year-old dog whose family’s home had burned down.
“After spending time at @PasadenaHumane and meeting so many animals displaced by the LA fires, I jumped at the opportunity to foster Zuzu!” Hilton captioned the video.
“As an animal lover, I am heartbroken by those who have lost their furry friends or have had to give them up due to being displaced. I want to do my part and take care of Zuzu and I encourage others who are able to to reach out to their local shelter to see how they can support them!”
Speaking to TMZ on Jan. 20, Hilton reiterated her sympathy for those affected.
“The families, the children, the animals, it’s just been heartbreaking to see what’s happened to California,” she said, adding that she had decided to formally adopt Zuzu.
“We’ve all just fallen in love with [Zuzu].”
In the wake of losing her home, Hilton took to Instagram to express gratitude for her family.
“Not only did we take in Zuzu, I’m Mama Bear to these adorable baby bears too!” she captioned alongside a video of her children.
“Even when we were evacuated in an airport hotel due to the wildfires, London and Phoenix knew how to make me and Carter smile. So grateful for them.”
