Pacific Palisades Fire Prompts Celebrity Evacuations Amid Ongoing Crisis – Financial Business Times

The Pacific Palisades fire continues to wreak havoc in Los Angeles County, engulfing over 2,900 acres and forcing thousands to evacuate. Among the evacuees are several celebrities who call this area home. As of Wednesday, the fire had caused several injuries, though no deaths have been reported.

• Pacific Palisades Fire Devastation: Over 2,900 acres burned, 1,000 structures destroyed, and thousands evacuated. It remains 0% contained, making it one of the most destructive wildfires in LA County history.
• Celebrity Impact: Prominent figures like Mark Hamill, Ben Affleck, and Sarah Michelle Gellar have been directly affected, with some losing homes and others aiding evacuation efforts.
• Compounding Wildfire Crisis: Alongside the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire has claimed five lives and burned over 10,600 acres, while the Hurst fire has scorched more than 700 acres, prompting widespread evacuations.
• Community and First Responders Unite: Despite severe weather conditions hindering containment, firefighters and residents continue their efforts to manage the disaster and support affected communities.

Mark Hamill, known for his role in “Star Wars,” shared his experience on social media, describing the fire as the most horrific since 1993. Other celebrities like James Woods and Sarah Michelle Gellar have voiced their concerns and frustrations. Woods criticized city officials on social media, while Gellar highlighted the gridlock and lack of traffic management during evacuations.

Ben Affleck also evacuated his home in the Palisades, seeking refuge with ex-partner Jennifer Garner. Jennifer Love Hewitt expressed her anxiety, posting a photo with a heartfelt message as she watched the fire threatening her community. Steve Guttenberg, a resident of the Palisades, took proactive steps to aid evacuation efforts. He urged residents to leave their car keys behind to facilitate moving vehicles and allow fire trucks to access critical areas.

The fire, which began on Tuesday, has led to mandatory evacuations in areas bordered by California State Route 1, Kenter Road, and Mulholland Drive. The Los Angeles Fire Department has been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but challenging weather conditions persist. The National Weather Service has warned of strong winds, which could further fuel the fire and complicate containment efforts.

Currently, the Pacific Palisades fire remains 0% contained, making it the most destructive wildfire in LA County’s history. Over 11,800 acres have burned, and approximately 1,000 structures have been destroyed. The devastation extends beyond property damage, with numerous residents and first responders suffering injuries.

Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Adam Brody, and Leighton Meester have also been affected. Some have lost their homes, underscoring the fire’s widespread impact on the community. The situation remains dire, with firefighters battling multiple blazes across the region.

The Eaton fire, another major wildfire in the area, has scorched over 10,600 acres, resulting in five fatalities. Additionally, the Hurst Fire has burned more than 700 acres, with evacuation orders in place. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation directives to ensure their safety.

As the fires continue to threaten lives and property, the focus remains on supporting those affected and managing the crisis effectively. The community’s resilience and the dedication of first responders offer a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.