Aussie expat 'living in a horror movie' after finding home 'in ashes'

Australian man James Willis says he is "living in a horror movie" after confirming his home was destroyed in the Los Angeles inferno.

Willis, who spoke to Today yesterday as well as this morning, previously held out a small hope his house had survived the catastrophic blaze.

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

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With media given access to the impacted streets, a Nine reporter offered to check James' address for him.

Tragically, his fears were confirmed.

"It was that feeling when it's 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 everyday with on the beach and my community down there - it's just heart wrenching knowing that was all gone as well."

James 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 and an online fundraiser has been set up in his name.

Hear his full chat with Today in the video above