Malibu, Calif. – Suzanne Somers’ home was one of four destroyed by a wind-driven wildfire that swept through an exclusive seaside neighborhood of multimillion-dollar homes, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
Firefighters were still at the scene watching for flareups Tuesday. In addition to those destroyed, four other houses were significantly damaged Monday, and one resident, who was not identified, was hospitalized for treatment of smoke inhalation.
“My nature is to look at the glass half-full,” Somers said in a statement Tuesday. “I truly believe we will learn something great from this experience.”
The 60-year-old actress and her husband, former game show host Alan Hamel, were out of town when the fire hit, and a Hamel spokesman said the home was a total loss. Somers is best known for playing a ditzy blond on the 1970s sitcom “Three’s Company.”
The burned properties were still smoldering Tuesday, and about 150 firefighters and arson investigators were on the scene.
The blaze had been fanned by Santa Ana wind as it raced through the celebrity enclave near Pepperdine University. “Red flag” fire danger warnings posted by the National Weather Service remained in effect for much of Southern California because of the strong wind and low humidity.
“I think they did a great job, the fire people. What can you do? It’s terrible,” said attorney George Roland, who also lost his home.
