The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of devastation, with numerous celebrities losing their homes in the raging infernos.

Among them, actor Mel Gibson spoke candidly during an interview with Joe Rogan, describing the moment he learned that his house had been completely destroyed.

Gibson, who was in Austin, Texas, at the time of the disaster, had been anxiously awaiting news of his neighborhood’s fate.

When he returned, he found his home reduced to ashes, but expressed a bittersweet relief in the aftermath, joking that at least he no longer had to worry about plumbing issues.

While Gibson’s reaction showed resilience, the loss he experienced is part of a larger tragedy in the region.

Thousands of homes have been lost, including those of Hollywood stars such as Billy Crystal, Ricki Lake, and Jeff Bridges.

The damage has been catastrophic, with an estimated $57 billion in property destruction and tens of thousands of people displaced.

Additionally, the historic Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to several celebrities, was completely wiped out.

The impact has not been confined to the rich and famous.

Ordinary residents, including firefighters and rescue workers, have faced life-threatening conditions as they battled the raging fires.

In response to the crisis, Gibson and Rogan, along with many others, have criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for what they perceive as a lack of preparation and poor leadership in handling the emergency.

They noted that despite a significant allocation of funds for homelessness, the state failed to invest adequately in wildfire prevention measures, contributing to the scale of the disaster.

Rogan was especially vocal, questioning why billions had been spent on addressing homelessness without addressing the more immediate threat posed by wildfires.

He mocked Newsom’s assertion that California’s economy was in excellent condition, suggesting that the governor's priorities were misplaced.

In a moment of levity, Gibson joined Rogan in making a jibe at Newsom’s personal appearance, referring to the governor's reported spending on hair gel.

Yet, behind the humor lies serious concern over what many view as a failure of governance in the face of a natural disaster of historic proportions.

As the fires raged, homes of prominent figures were destroyed, including that of Tori Spelling and her late father Aaron Spelling.

The famous Beverly Hills 90210 set house also narrowly survived the flames, while nearby structures were completely consumed by the fire.

The personal losses extend beyond the walls of luxury estates.

For Paris Hilton, who lost her $8.4 million home, the heartbreak was deeply personal.

Hilton shared an emotional post, reflecting on the intangible losses: photographs, mementos, and memories that cannot be replaced.

Despite her devastation, Hilton expressed gratitude for the safety of her family and pets, emphasizing the importance of health and safety over material possessions.

In the wake of such loss, the critique of California’s leadership has gained momentum.

With the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the state, many argue that more needs to be done to prepare for and mitigate the destruction caused by these natural disasters.

Critics contend that the state’s political leaders must prioritize disaster prevention, rather than focusing disproportionately on long-term social issues that, while important, cannot prevent the immediate impact of a wildfire.

As California grapples with the aftermath of the fires, the political fallout is likely to intensify.

The damage caused to homes, communities, and lives is immeasurable, and questions about how the state can better prepare for such crises will remain central to the political discourse in the coming months.

Whether or not Governor Newsom can take meaningful action to prevent future disasters will be a critical point of contention as California rebuilds in the aftermath of one of its most devastating wildfire seasons.