Palisades Fire destroys historic buildings at California State Parks

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (KION) -- The Palisades Fire has destroyed historic buildings and locations at Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park.

Of the multiple structures destroyed in the fires, Will Rogers' historic ranch house and building at Will Rogers State Historic Park. the Topanga Ranch Motel, once owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, has also been destroyed.

State Park employees residences were also destroyed along with more than 30 structures in-between both parks. Horses were evacuated from the area while other historical and cultural artifacts were removed from Will Rogers.

California State Parks closed both parks as a precaution after the Palisades Fire broke out around 10:30 on Jan. 7th. State Parks Director Armando stated in a press release that the State Parks how they are grateful for staff amid the devastating losses.

“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. Since yesterday afternoon, we are directing all available resources into the emergency response effort and working to secure and protect as much as we can at affected nearby state parks," Armando said. "We are deeply grateful to our parks staff and all partner agencies for their swift actions. Our top priority remains the safety of the public, our employees and the responders bravely battling the fires.”