Escape from the forest fire: Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, James Woods, Ralf Möller
Numerous celebrities were forced to evacuate their homes as the devastating Palisades Fire raged in Los Angeles, along with several other fires in Southern California. After the fire broke out on Tuesday, Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, James Woods, Ralf Möller and Heidi Montag were evacuated along with 30,000 other residents.
Hamill shared on Instagram that he was evacuated from Malibu at 7 p.m. And that it was “on such short notice that there were small fires on both sides of the road as we approached the PCH.” After confirming he had arrived safely at his daughter’s home in another part of Los Angeles, the Star Wars actor called the wildfire the “most horrific fire since 1993” and urged his followers to stay safe regard.
Mark Hamill on Instagram:
Moore also evacuated the home she shares with Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith and their children. She wrote in an Instagram story that she was safe with “children, dogs and cats” and was “praying for and grateful to the first responders.”
James Woods, who lives in the affected neighborhood, live-tweeted a series of updates, including videos of the fire. This morning, the actor appeared to confirm that his home had fallen victim to the fire. He wrote: “All the smoke alarms in our house go off and send to our iPhones. I couldn’t believe our beautiful little house in the hills had lasted this long. It feels like losing a loved one.” He added: “It’s a test of the soul to lose everything at once, I must say.”
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro was also evacuated, as was actor Eugene Levy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Schitt’s Creek star told the Los Angeles Times2 that the “smoke looked pretty black and intense” in the Palisades, where he is honorary mayor.
Many other actors and musicians offered their support on social media, including Billie Eilish and Chris Pratt. “Please send prayers and strength tonight to everyone in Los Angeles affected by these devastating fires,” Pratt wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes and wildlife while battling the fast-spreading wildfire fueled by high winds. You are true heroes. And we are eternally grateful for your sacrifice and courage. Let’s all come together to support each other during this difficult time.”
“The Hills” stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt documented how they evacuated their home on social media. They later announced that their house had burned down. “Update: I’m watching our house burn down on the security cameras,” Pratt said.
Steve Guttenberg on YouTube:
Palisades resident Steve Guttenberg became an internet star for helping with evacuation efforts in Palisades. The actor spoke to a reporter from KTLA about why he drove away abandoned cars blocking the streets. And asked the people who were fleeing the fire to leave their keys behind. He added: “We have a huge fire up there. We have very strong winds right now. And it’s really important that people help each other. It’s really important that everyone sticks together and doesn’t worry about their personal property. Just go out. Take your loved ones with you and go outside.”
On Tuesday, strong winds in Southern California sparked several fires in the Los Angeles area. In Pacific Palisades, a 300-acre fire spread to more than 1,200 acres in 90 minutes, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. About 30,000 residents have been evacuated and more than 10,000 homes are threatened by the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles fire chief. According to KTLA, the fire had spread to more than 2,900 acres as of Tuesday evening and had not yet been contained.
This morning, California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that “hundreds of additional firefighters are heading south to join more than 1,400 responders on the scene” battling multiple fires in the region.