Was Will Rogers State Park and ranch house affected by California fires? Here's what to know

As wildfires continue to blaze across California, reports of mass property loss and destruction are pouring in, including from historic locations like the Will Rogers State Historic Park and parts of Topanga State Park.

Located in the Pacific Palisades, the parks are home to significant cultural and historical homes and artifacts, including Will Rogers’ ranch house and the Topanga Ranch Motel, once owned by William Randolph Hearst.

In a press release issued Wednesday, California State Parks said it had suffered more than 30 structural losses in the fires, one of which was the total destruction of Will Roger's 31-room ranch. Built in 1928 by the Hollywood star, the ranch itself and the surrounding land and buildings were donated to California State Parks in 1944.

Pictures shared by the agency showed little more than rubble where the home once stood, with just two brick fireplaces still standing as landmarks. The horse stables on the property were also reduced to a smoldering pile, though staff were fortunately able to evacuate all of the animals in advance.

Some cultural and historical artifacts, including artwork, were also moved from the Will Rogers State Historic Park before the fire ripped through. Both parks were closed around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, shortly after the fires broke out.

“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,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a statement. "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.”

According to state park officials, the full extent of the damages is still being assessed. As of Thursday morning, the known toll includes multiple historic buildings at Will Rogers park (beyond just the ranch and horse stable), the Topanga Ranch Motel, as well as all concessions and park employee residences.

History of the Will Rogers' historic ranch and Topanga Ranch Motel

According to California State Parks, vaudeville, radio and Hollywood superstar Will Rogers was one of the high-paid and most beloved actors circa the 1930s. Known as “America’s most beloved citizen" and "Oklahoma's Favorite Son," Rogers bought land in Santa Monica in the 1930s, where he built the ranch, stable, guest houses, corrals, a golf course and riding trails on what eventually became 359 acres of property.

After his 1935 death in a plane crash, his widow donated the ranch to California State Parks in 1944.

The Topanga Ranch Motel was built in Topanga State Park in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst, the publisher and politician who founded and developed the Hearst Communications empire. The motel had 30 rooms that once housed Pacific Coast Highway construction workers, providing an affordable beach getaway for families and serving as a popular location for filming movies and television.

California State Parks, which acquired the motel in 2001, had plans to restore 20 of the cabins for the public to use once more.

What's next?

When asked about plans to rebuild the lost structures, the agency told USA TODAY on Thursday it is "too early to discuss the future of the ranch or structures at the park," as the main priority at this time is still the safety of staff and the responders.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Was Will Rogers State Park, ranch house hit by fires? What to know