Nolte Flees $3M Malibu House Fire

Grizzled actor Nick Nolte escaped with minor injuries from a fire that gutted the living room of his Malibu home, reports Reuters. The 67-year-old star of Tropic Thunder suffered smoke inhalation and scrapes when he tried to douse the flames with water from a garden hose. Fire inspectors believe the blaze was triggered by an electrical problem. Damage is estimated at $3 million.    

"Nick Nolte was there with a water hose trying to extinguish the fire himself and of course we came to help him out," said a fire department spokesman. Nolte was was "grateful" to firefighters "for their quick response and assistance," his attorney said.