A devastating wildfire has destroyed the most expensive mansion in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, valued at $125 million (approximately Rs.10,770 crore). Owned by Austin Russell, CEO of Luminar Technologies, the 18-bedroom mansion was gutted by the raging fire, leaving only a smouldering shell behind, according to reports from DailyMail.com. The mansion, which had been available for rent at $450,000 per month, was known for its luxurious features, including a chef’s kitchen designed by Nobu, a 20-seat movie theatre, and a state-of-the-art wine cellar.
Exclusive photos of the property show the extent of the damage, with the mansion reduced to rubble, exposing beams and piles of debris. Some exterior features, such as a fire pit, have survived, but much of the interior, including a retinal scanner outside the master bedroom and two panic rooms, has been destroyed. Other luxury amenities like the rooftop deck, spa, and a car gallery that doubled as a ballroom have also been lost.
This property gained additional fame in 2023 when it was featured as the luxurious residence of the Roy siblings in HBO’s Succession.
As firefighters battle to control the wildfires, which have wreaked havoc across Los Angeles, local officials have pointed fingers at one another over the city’s response. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticized budget cuts to the fire department, while Mayor Karen Bass defended the reductions, saying they did not affect the wildfire response. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a review of the city’s water supply amid reports of hydrants running low during the fires.
The economic toll of these wildfires is expected to be staggering, with estimates ranging from $135 billion to $150 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in US history.
