Ricki Lake’s Malibu Home Destroyed By Fire; Family Escapes Unharmed

Ricki Lake’s rented Malibu home was completely destroyed by a fire on Saturday, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

Sgt. Ernie Masson of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. Malibu/Lost Hills station told Access that the home had “burned to the ground,” causing traffic on Pacific Coast Highway to stall “for hours.”

According to the sheriff’s station, the home was engulfed in flames around 7:30 AM Saturday morning, after a couch caught fire while the actress attempted to refuel a portable heater.

Lake, her two sons and their family dog made it out of the burning home safely, and the former “Charm School with Ricki Lake” headmistress expressed her gratitude via her Twitter account.

“Thank you everyone for your concern and well wishes,” she Tweeted on Saturday afternoon. “My sons, beloved dog, and I are safe and very grateful. xoxor [sic].”

The actress, who is best known for her long run as host of her self-titled daytime talk show, produced 2008’s childbirth documentary, “The Business of Being Born,” and recently guest-starred on Lifetime’s hit comedy, “Drop Dead Diva.”