Los Angeles fires: Football Ferns captain Ali Riley loses home in Palisades Fire

• Football Ferns captain Ali Riley’s home was destroyed by the Los Angeles fire in Hollywood Hills.
• The fires killed at least five people, destroyed 1000 buildings, and displaced over 100,000 residents.
• New Zealand’s consul-general in Los Angeles, Katja Ackerley, evacuated safely; all consulate staff are safe.

Football Ferns captain Ali Riley’s home has been destroyed by the Los Angeles fire as the wildfires sweep through Hollywood Hills.

The fires have killed at least five people, destroyed at least 1000 buildings, and forced more than 100,000 people from their homes.

Some of the worst destruction was in the scenic neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, where the fire shot from several hundred acres to more than 15,000 in two days.

This was our home. How is this real. It can’t be real. #PalisadesFire pic.twitter.com/0ddg3nP1YI

— Ali Riley (@RileyThree) January 9, 2025

Riley, who lives in Los Angeles, posted an aerial photo of her former home destroyed along with rows of her neighbourhood.

“This was our home. How is this real? It can’t be real,” she wrote on Thursday (NZ time).

On Instagram, she wrote: “I was there Monday night eating dinner. Hanging with Mom and Dad. Watched the sunset.

“And now it’s gone forever.”

Riley, who is signed to the Angel City team, posted a video showing the Palisades fire’s destruction – along with a broken heart emoji.

“Our entire neighbourhood is gone,” she captioned the video.

“We are all safe. Holding on to that with my whole heart while we figure out what to do next.”

Football Ferns captain Ali Riley's home has been destroyed in the Los Angeles fires.

There were 18 New Zealanders registered as being in LA, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

An MFAT spokesperson said they were aware of several families from affected areas, but did not know of any fatalities or injuries to New Zealanders.

New Zealand’s consul-general in Los Angeles, Katja Ackerley, lived in an evacuation zone and escaped safely with her family. All consulate staff were safe and accounted for.

“We encourage all New Zealanders in Los Angeles to register their travel on SafeTravel and pass this message on to any New Zealanders who may not be registered with us,” the MFAT spokesperson said.

New Zealand firefighters said they had not received any requests for aid from the US.

Fire and Emergency NZ deputy national commander Steph Rotarangi said they had established processes for their counterparts in the US to ask for assistance but haven’t been asked for help yet.

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