A wind-driven wildfire ravaged two California State Parks last night, leaving a trail of destruction that included the historic Will Rogers ranch house and the Topanga Ranch Motel, the California State Parks said in a news release on Wednesday.

The Palisades Fire, fueled by wind gusts reaching 80 mph, tore through Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park, destroying dozens of structures and irreplaceable cultural landmarks.

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“California State Parks mourns the loss of these treasured natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. 

Among the losses were the Will Rogers’ historic ranch house and adjacent buildings, the Topanga Ranch Motel (once owned by William Randolph Hearst), more than 30 structures, including employee residences.

Despite the devastation, State Parks officials were able to evacuate horses and some cultural artifacts from Will Rogers State Historic Park before the fire reached the area.

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State Parks staff, alongside partner agencies, are now focused on emergency response and recovery efforts. Quintero expressed gratitude for the swift actions of first responders battling the blaze.

The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, prompting the precautionary closure of both parks. It quickly spread to park grounds and continued its destructive path into the night.

Historic Losses

The Will Rogers ranch house was a cherished remnant of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Rogers, a beloved entertainer and philanthropist, developed the 359-acre ranch in the 1920s, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His widow, Betty, donated the property to the state in 1944, transforming it into a historic park.

The Topanga Ranch Motel, built in 1929 by media magnate William Randolph Hearst, was a landmark of Southern California’s coastal charm. Known for its bungalow-style cabins, the motel had recently been slated for restoration.

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A full assessment of the damage is ongoing. For updates on fire activity, visit CAL FIRE’s incidents page at fire.ca.gov/incidents. For park-related news, go to parks.ca.gov/incidents.

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