A devastating wildfire in Los Angeles has forced thousands of residents, including several high-profile Hollywood celebrities, to flee their homes as flames rage out of control.
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for its stunning coastal views and celebrity residents, has been heavily impacted by the wildfire, which has consumed nearly 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares).
Among those affected by the fire are actress and journalist Maria Shriver, actor Jamie Lee Curtis, singer Mandy Moore, and actor James Woods. Shriver, a former first lady of California, expressed her devastation on social media, saying, “Heartbreaking, devastating, beyond belief. Everything is gone. Our neighborhood, our restaurants.”
Actor James Woods, who was forced to evacuate with his family, described the scene as a chaotic inferno. "We were literally in the exact epicenter of the fire as it started," Woods said. "Every house around us was on fire."
The wildfire, which has been fueled by strong, dry winds, has created an unpredictable and dangerous situation. Narrow, winding streets in Pacific Palisades have caused major traffic delays as thousands of residents rushed to evacuate. Actor Henry Winkler called the situation “biblical” in a post on social media, lamenting the destruction and loss of homes.
Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis also shared her fears on social media, writing that while she was safe, her community was in danger. "My community and possibly my home is on fire," Curtis wrote on Instagram. "It is a terrifying situation."
Mandy Moore, who starred in the popular television show This is Us, also shared her concern on Instagram, noting that she and her family had evacuated as the flames neared. “So gutted for the destruction and loss. Don’t know if our place made it,” she wrote.
Pacific Palisades, a wealthy enclave home to many celebrities and with a median home price of $4.5 million, is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. The area is also home to the Getty Villa, one of Los Angeles' most well-known museums.
As wildfires spread throughout the region, production on several Hollywood TV shows and films was halted, including Jimmy Kimmel Live and Grey's Anatomy. Film permits were also revoked in Pasadena and surrounding areas at the request of fire officials. The Critics Choice Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Tea Party were also canceled, with several film premieres, including Jennifer Lopez's Unstoppable, being postponed.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as officials warn that the fires are highly unpredictable. The Screen Actors Guild Awards also canceled their live nominations announcement, and public access to the iconic Hollywood sign was blocked by city authorities.
