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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Thursday that his childhood home, which his parents bought more than 50 years ago, has completely burned down as a result of the Southern California wildfires.
Speaking to the media before a match against Detroit Pistons, Kerr was responding to the devastation left by several wildfires that began earlier this week. His family home in Pacific Palisades, the area hardest hit by the fires, was lost in the deadly flames.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
“It’s been tough. My family is fine, my mom is in good hands, but her house is gone,” said a solemn Kerr.
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“The city looks like it’s just been completely wiped out – it’s surreal and devastating. But luckily, almost everyone escaped,” he added. “It’s hard to even fathom how Pacific Palisades will rebuild and become a thriving community again. It’s just shocking.”
At least seven people have died as a result more wildfires as thousands evacuated their homes. About 10,000 structures from the Pacific coast to Pasadena have burned down as strong winds continue to fuel the fires.
A mobile home community destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Kerr recalled, “In 1969 my parents bought that house and I was there just two weeks ago for dinner… we just celebrated my mother’s 90th birthday there last summer.”
The veteran NBA coach said while his family and friends are safe, the loss is “unfathomable”.
“It’s not a loss of life, it’s a loss of property, and that’s a completely different thing.”
Entire blocks of homes are seen burning in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles on Thursday, January 9. (AP/Mark J. Terrill)
The largest fire burning in the Pacific Palisades began Tuesday. Officials said Thursday night that containment was at 6%.
