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Strong winds are intensifying the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, escalating the crisis throughout Southern California. At least two fatalities and numerous injuries have been reported, while harrowing images of homes engulfed in flames and abandoned vehicles on the streets of Pacific Palisades paint a grim picture. Firefighters are tirelessly battling the fires from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, as over 70,000 residents, including high-profile individuals, face evacuation orders.
© DAVID SWANSONPacific Palisades, a neighborhood known for its affluent residents, has been severely impacted by the fires. Reports from TMZ reveal that actor Ben Affleck had to evacuate his mansion as the flames approached. Affleck was seen leaving his home and heading to the residence of ex-wife Jennifer Garner, who had not yet been ordered to evacuate.
© Eric ThayerBen Affleck is not alone in facing evacuation orders due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Other high-profile celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Guillermo del Toro, Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, Michael Keaton, and NBA star Kawhi Leonard, are all on high alert regarding the safety of their homes, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Chet Hanks, the son of Tom Hanks, expressed his concern, stating, "The neighborhood I grew up in is burning to the ground."
© Eric ThayerIn response to the ongoing crisis, Chris Pratt, star of Avengers, praised the efforts of first responders, saying, "Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and wildlife as they battle fast-moving wildfires fueled by fierce winds." Actress Zoe Saldana also shared her sympathy for those affected by the fires, expressing, "“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California, particularly those who have lost their homes.”
© DAVID SWANSONSteve Guttenberg, renowned for his role in Police Academy, emphasized the immediate need for help in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires: "There are people in wheelchairs, elderly individuals, babies, and mothers having panic attacks. Step back and help them. We should carry this desire to help others into everyday life, not just during a crisis."
© Apu GomesActor James Woods also shared a deeply personal account of the devastation, stating, "This photo was taken last night from our lovely little house in Palisades. Now all the fire alarms are going off at the same time. I must say, losing everything at once is a soul test." In a CNN interview, Woods further described the harrowing experience: "It was like hell. All the houses around us were on fire," he said about the frantic evacuation. "We were evacuated with just the clothes on our backs."
© DAVID SWANSONJessica Alba joined the calls for support, expressing her concern: "Devastating—so many in our community experiencing the unimaginable. We are praying for you. We love you. Beyond grateful for the first responders who are on the ground putting their lives at risk—we pray for your safety. Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis, also affected by the fires, shared her feelings: "My community and possibly my home are on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well. There are so many conflicting reports. With all the technology available, there seems to be very little information. PLEASE POST FACTS! IT WILL HELP THOSE WHO ARE WONDERING!"
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfires impacting western Los Angeles. President Joe Biden has urged caution and is being kept informed about the situation: "I am frequently briefed on the wildfires in western Los Angeles. My team and I are in contact with state and local officials, and I have offered any necessary federal assistance to help extinguish the devastating fire in Pacific Palisades. Tonight, FEMA approved a fire management assistance grant to support the affected areas and help reimburse the state of California for immediate firefighting costs. My administration will do everything possible to support the response. I urge residents of Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas in Los Angeles to remain vigilant and heed local officials’ guidance."
