Kate Winslet Escapes Fire

The bad news is that billionaire Richard Branson’s mansion in the Caribbean is completely destroyed. The good news is that houseguest Kate Winslet and her children escaped unhurt. About 20 people were in the eight-bedroom Great House on Branson’s private Necker Island when Hurricane Irene hit in the middle of the night and the home was struck by lightning. Winslet, who’s separated from her second husband, the director Sam Mendes, was with her children, Mia, 10, and Joe, 7. Branson was staying in another property next door with his wife, Joan, and son, Sam. Branson said his office was based in the house and he was sad that he’s lost thousands of photographs.