Michael Jackson’s Neverland home is in the path of a Southern California wildfire.
Per TMZ, the Santa Barbara County estate is dangerously close to a blaze called 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 — is slated to play his uncle.
The property was purchased by Jackson in 1988 and has been reconstructed as filming takes place ahead of the movie’s scheduled April 18, 2025 release.
Aerial photos taken in April revealed that the fairground rides, tents and children’s trains have all been rebuilt, along with a Ferris wheel and a replica of Jackson’s carousel.
Additional snapshots showed a recreation of the star’s large red and white circus tent, as well as the red train that carried visitors around the park.
Billionaire Ron Burkle, a financial adviser to Michael, purchased the Neverland mansion for $22 million in December 2020.
He snagged the property for nearly $80 million less than the asking price.
The residence was inspired by J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal shortly after purchasing the property, Burkle explained that he wanted to give it a facelift by repairing the train station, fixing the roads and eventually getting the train line running again.
‘It was kind of a depressing place. It wasn’t the beautiful place that it was before. It just needed flowers and life in it again,’ he said.
Following the purchase, the petting zoo was reinstalled and animals were reintroduced.
Before Burkle’s investment, Neverland had been on the market on and off since 2016.
It fell into disrepair after police raided the ranch and charged the King of Pop with seven counts of child molestation.
Although he was acquitted, Jackson vowed never to step foot in Neverland again.
The ranch boasted multiple guesthouses, a 50-seat movie theatre, a swimming pool with a cabana, plus basketball and tennis courts.
Jackson famously gave the property fantasy touches for his young fans to enjoy when they visited, but he was accused by multiple alleged victims of abusing them at the ranch.