Death toll expected to rise as fires rage through Los Angeles; Map; Jamie Lee Curtis pledges US$1 million for fire relief efforts; Satellite image shows devastation of fire

Australian man James Willis says he is “living in a horror movie” after finding out his home was destroyed.

Willis, who spoke to Today yesterday as well as this morning, was previously unsure if his house had survived the Los Angeles inferno.

He managed to evacuate with his dog but had received no updates since.

A Nine reporter offered to check his address for him – and was forced to call and give the bad news.

“It was it was that feeling knowing that that’s when it’s, you know, it sunk in that you’ve lost everything and it’s gone,” he said.

“But it’s just seeing the image and seeing all my neighbours and all the people I spend every day with on the beach and my community down there … it’s just heart wrenching knowing that was all gone as well.”

He said his home and possessions were “all ashes”.

“But, you know, I’ve got my dog and we’re together and … I’ve been so overwhelmed by so much love and support,” he said.

Willis is currently staying with a friend. An online fundraiser has been set up in his name.