The upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to many Hollywood celebrities, has been ravaged by wildfires, forcing mass evacuations. Actor James Woods shared footage of the flames near his home, while actor Steve Guttenberg urged residents to abandon vehicles to make way for fire trucks.
The fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, destroyed homes and scorched over 4.6 square miles of land. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, warning that the worst is yet to come.
Celebrity Impact:
- James Woods: Posted videos of flames engulfing nearby hills.
- Steve Guttenberg: Pleaded with residents to leave keys in abandoned cars for emergency clearance.
- Evacuation Chaos: Residents fled on foot with pets and suitcases as roads were jammed with vehicles.
Film studios canceled movie premieres, and several Pacific Palisades schools relocated students for safety. Helicopters dropped water on flames threatening multi-million-dollar mansions, but firefighters struggled against winds of up to 100 mph.
President Joe Biden offered federal support and canceled a planned event in Riverside County due to the dangerous conditions.
As flames continue to threaten iconic neighborhoods and landmarks like the Getty Villa, officials stress the importance of prioritizing safety. The Santa Ana winds are expected to worsen, leaving Southern California residents bracing for a challenging few days ahead.