Los Angeles Pacific Palisades community experienced a wildfire outbreak on Tuesday (January 7th) that rapidly spread due to strong winds. The homes of some local celebrities were also engulfed by the flames.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Palisades fire broke out around 10:30 am on Tuesday. In a statement, the fire department mentioned that the fire was intensifying rapidly with sparks flying everywhere, posing significant challenges to firefighting efforts. It is expected that the strong winds will continue through Thursday with gusts up to 60 miles per hour.
The wildfire forced about thirty thousand people to evacuate, with many abandoning their vehicles due to traffic congestion. Actor Steve Guttenberg, who resides in the area, assisted firefighters in moving abandoned cars. The 66-year-old Guttenberg is known for his roles in movies such as “Police Academy,” “Three Men and a Baby,” and “Cocoon.”
Guttenberg told KTLA television, “The situation is that people are taking their car keys like they’re leaving a parking lot. But this is not a parking lot, we really need everyone to move their cars.” He urged residents to leave their car keys behind to allow firefighters to move the vehicles for access into the disaster area.
“There are families, pets, and people who really need help,” he pleaded, “If someone abandons their car here, please leave the keys in the car so we can move your car and allow the fire trucks to reach Palisades Drive.”
Guttenberg stressed the importance of people helping each other, emphasizing unity over individual property concerns, urging everyone to evacuate promptly with their loved ones.
Actor James Woods and reality TV star Spencer Pratt’s homes were also engulfed by the fire. On Tuesday afternoon, the 77-year-old Woods announced that he had safely evacuated the area. He later posted images of the wildfire approaching his Palisades residence on social media, expressing gratitude to those concerned about their well-being.
“I just want to let you know that we did successfully evacuate,” he said. “I don’t know if our house is still there now, but unfortunately, all the houses on our little street are gone.”
41-year-old Pratt and his wife Heidi Montag lost their home in the blaze. The couple, known for appearing in the MTV reality show “The Hills,” have two sons aged 7 and 2. Pratt shared on Snapchat, “I’m watching our house burn down via security camera.”
Pratt’s sister Stephanie Pratt wrote on Instagram, “Just got off the phone with my dad who tried to save my brother’s house, but the wind is too strong, and he couldn’t do anything.” She mentioned that the Palisades fire station was also destroyed, leaving the entire community engulfed in flames with no one in sight.
The fierce Santa Ana winds are intensifying wildfires in other Southern California regions. On Tuesday, Los Angeles witnessed five wildfire outbreaks. Actress Candace Cameron Bure mentioned on Instagram on Wednesday morning that Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Sylmar, and Sepulveda Pass are still burning.
“Waking up to see the same fire. Our lovely Palisades is destroyed, leaving behind so many memories. We pray for rain in Los Angeles,” she wrote. “Thank you to the firefighters and paramedics for all your efforts in protecting the public’s safety and extinguishing these fires. You are the true heroes. So many wonderful memories.”
“Los Angeles is in a state of emergency,” actor Chris Pratt, known for starring in “Jurassic World,” urged his fans and followers to pray for the victims on Tuesday night on Instagram.
“Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are tirelessly battling the rapidly spreading wildfires driven by strong winds, protecting lives, homes, and wildlife,” the 45-year-old actor wrote, “You are real heroes, and we are infinitely grateful for your sacrifice and courage. Let us come together and support each other during this challenging time.”