Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland home is in the path of a wildfire in Southern California.
By TMZThe Santa Barbara County estate is dangerously close to a blaze called the Lake Fire, which has prompted evacuations.
Earlier this year, the sprawling home and amusement park received renovations in preparation for an upcoming biopic about the late singer’s life.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar, an accomplished singer and dancer, will play his uncle.
The property was purchased by Jackson in 1988 and has been rebuilt while filming takes place ahead of the film’s scheduled release on April 18, 2025.
Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland home lies in the path of a wildfire in Southern California; Jackson pictured in 2003
According to TMZ, the Santa Barbara County estate is dangerously close to a wildfire called the Lake Fire, which has prompted evacuations (Neverland, seen in 2001).
Aerial photos taken in April showed that the fairgrounds’ rides, tents and children’s trains have been rebuilt, along with a Ferris wheel and a replica of Jackson’s carousel.
Additional snaps showed a recreation of the star’s big red and white circus tent, as well as the red train that transported visitors around the park.
Billionaire Ron Burkle, Michael’s financial advisor, purchased the Neverland mansion for $22 million in December 2020.
He acquired the property for almost $80 million less than the asking price.
The residence was inspired by JM Barrie’s novel Peter Pan.
Talking with him Wall Street Journal Shortly after purchasing the property, Burkle explained that he wanted to give it a new face by repairing the train station, fixing the roads and eventually putting the rail line back into operation.
“It was a rather depressing place. It wasn’t the beautiful place it once was. It just needed flowers and life again,” she said.
Following the purchase, the petting zoo was re-established and the animals were reintroduced.
The inferno, located in Los Olivos, is getting closer to the property of the late pop legend (the lake fire was seen on Saturday)
The flames and smoke have given the sky and surrounding area a sepia tint.
Michael pictured with his then wife Lisa Presley at their famous Neverland Ranch
Prior to Burkle’s investment, Neverland had been on the market on and off since 2016.
It fell into disuse after police raided the ranch and charged the King of Pop with seven counts of child abuse.
Although he was acquitted, Jackson vowed never to set foot in the country again.
The ranch featured several guest houses, a 50-seat movie theater, a pool with cabana, and basketball and tennis courts.
Jackson is known for giving the property fantasy touches for his young fans to enjoy when they visited, but several alleged victims have accused him of abusing them at the ranch.