Phillies manager Gabe Kapler's Malibu house reduced to staircase after wildfire

As the winds and dry terrain conspire to keep devastating wildfires burning in two separate California locations, the loss of life and property continues to mount.

As of Monday night, 44 people had been killed and more than 6,500 homes destroyed. 

Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler is among those whose families have been directly impacted by the fires, losing his home in Malibu. Even though he moved to Philadelphia after taking the job this past season, Kapler's two sons and his ex-wife were living there.

The only part of the house that remains is a steel staircase, according to a story in The Athletic that included a photo sent to Kapler from one of his friends.

His family has relocated and will be fine, but Kapler's concern is for the vast majority of other area residents who lost everything they have.

Kapler said it's important to make sure the extensive impact of the disaster isn't forgotten. 

“Keep talking about it,” he said. “When you’re out in your community, talk about it with other people. Use it as a way to come together."

Even with insurance – and with so many claims pending, it will be a long time before any payments arrive – some people may never be able to return to their former homes.  

"Many people have lost everything in these fires and even basic needs are going to be hard to meet," he tweeted Saturday night.

Kapler has made it his mission to keep the plight of those people affected by the fires in the public's consciousness.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily about donations,” Kapler said. “I don’t think it’s about shining light on shelters, necessarily. I think what it’s about is talking about it nonstop. Making sure it’s on the minds of the United States. When natural disasters happen, we’re all responsible to raise awareness about various parts of the country.” 

Follow Gardner on Twitter @SteveAGardner