Jessica Simpson Evacuates as Wildfires Ravage Southern California

Jessica Simpson was among the thousands forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires tore through Southern California this week. The 44-year-old singer and fashion designer shared a photo of her Hidden Hills backyard engulfed in smoke on her Instagram Story Thursday night, captioning it, “We stayed as long as we could.”

Simpson’s sprawling property, purchased in 2013 for $11.5 million from Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, spans 11,000 square feet and sits on over two acres of land. The six-bedroom, 10-bathroom home has since doubled in value. Simpson resides there with her husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, and their three children: Maxwell Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.

Nearly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders as five fires ravage Los Angeles County, consuming over 36,000 acres with zero containment. The Kenneth Fire, which erupted in Los Angeles’ West Hills on Thursday, has been particularly devastating. At least 10 people have died as a result of the wildfires, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Simpson is one of many celebrities affected by the fires. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Eugene Levy, and James Woods have also been forced to flee their homes. Some, including Anna Faris and Adam Brody, have returned to find their properties reduced to rubble.

California Senate leader Mike McGuire addressed the crisis in a statement, calling it a “hellish week” and emphasizing the need to prioritize fire containment. “Words cannot explain the absolute shock, horror, sorrow surrounding the devastation that we see day in and day out,” he said. “The residents of L.A. County need to hear us loud and clear. We have your back. But first and foremost, we have to get these damn fires out.”

Red flag fire warnings are expected to persist through Friday, with winds decreasing on Saturday. However, gusty winds from the north and northeast could return as early as Sunday, potentially reigniting the Santa Ana wind events that have fueled the flames.