Los Angeles in flames: 30,000 people evacuated, star villas in Pacific Palisades threatened

The fire ravaging Los Angeles County has forced numerous celebrities such as Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods to leave their homes. The efforts of more than 1,400 firefighters are not stopping the advance of the flames

Flames continue to ravage Los Angeles, forcing authorities to issue evacuation orders for more than 30,000 people. Among the hardest hit areas is the famous Pacific Palisades area, an exclusive ‘Hollywood oasis’ located between Malibu and Santa Monica, famous for housing the luxurious residences of numerous film and entertainment stars.

Teams of more than 1,400 firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the huge fire, which threatens not only nature, but also some of the most prestigious villas in Los Angeles. Several celebrities have been forced to hastily evacuate their homes, including Mark Hamill, who stated via Instagram that he was forced to flee ‘at the last minute’ due to the fires that had spread ‘on both sides of the street’. He also described the fire as ‘the most horrific’ since the devastating one in Kinneloa in 1993.

James Woods, who is known for his roles in films such as Casino and The Garden of Virgin Suicides, live-tweeted videos of the fire coming dangerously close to his property, until it lapped the terrace. He later revealed to his dismay that his home’s smoke detectors had gone off, signalling that the flames had now reached his home. ‘Losing everything at once tests your soul,’ said Woods, visibly tried.

Mandy Moore, star of the series This Is Us, also said she left her home with her children and pets, thanking and praising the firefighters for their bravery. The situation also appears extremely critical for other celebrities: Dan Levy, known for Schitt’s Creek and honorary mayor of the Pacific Palisades community, said he left the neighbourhood because of the thick, black smoke enveloping the area.

Among the most poignant testimonies were those of Kaley Cuoco, of The Big Bang Theory fame, and Whitney Cummings, comic actress of 2 Broke Girls, who expressed their deep regret at the ongoing devastation. Cuoco said she was ‘shocked’ to see flames threatening the backyards of homes, while Cummings confessed to considering leaving California for good.

From singer Billie Eilish to Khloe Kardashian, there are many entertainment personalities who are using social media to spread messages of support for the first responders. ‘Your selflessness and resilience is incredibly appreciated,’ said Kardashian, praising the tireless efforts of firefighters and rescuers who, at the risk of their own lives, are trying to stop the advance of the fire. Chris Pratt, star of Guardians of the Galaxy, also publicly expressed his gratitude, calling the firefighters ‘heroes’.

The fire, which is still out of control, has already destroyed hundreds of hectares and continues to threaten further properties. Local authorities urge residents to heed evacuation orders and not to underestimate the danger of the flames advancing with impressive speed.

THE LATEST NEWS

[recent_post_slider design=”design-08″ show_author=”false” slider_height=”400″ lazyload=”progressive” limit=”8″ category=”11728″]

(Photo: © AndKronos)