Los Angeles Wildfires Devastate Communities, Celebrities Among Evacuees

Fast-growing wildfires in Los Angeles, fueled by severe winds and dry vegetation, have left tens of thousands of residents displaced and at least 10 dead since igniting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The blazes, which have spread across areas including Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, and the Hollywood Hills, have destroyed over 1,000 buildings and consumed more than 15,000 acres.

Among the evacuees are numerous celebrities, including Chris Pratt, who expressed his devastation on social media. “Our family is safe and for that we are grateful,” Pratt wrote on Thursday, Jan. 9. “This is an unimaginable tragedy, and my heart goes out to those who have lost everything during this time.” Pratt, who is married to Katherine Schwarzenegger, shared resources for those affected by the fires.

Candace Cameron Bure, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, described the destruction as “heartbreaking.” “It changes everything,” Bure told Fox News Digital. “I can’t imagine how long a rebuild is going to take, and who knows if small businesses will ever be able to recover.” Bure, who lived in the area for over 30 years, emphasized the tight-knit nature of the community and expressed confidence that residents would rally together.

The Palisades Fire, one of six active wildfires in Los Angeles County, remains zero percent contained as of Wednesday. The fires have been exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds, which are not expected to subside until Thursday evening. Over 80,000 people have been displaced, with many celebrities, including James Woods, Sandra Lee, and Steve Guttenberg, sharing updates on their evacuations.

Chris Pratt’s ex-wife, Anna Faris, was also among those evacuated. A representative for Faris confirmed that she and her family are safe. “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful,” the representative told PEOPLE on Jan. 8.

As firefighters continue to battle the blazes, the long-term impact on the community remains uncertain. Bure noted that many residents in fire-prone areas have struggled to obtain fire insurance, further complicating recovery efforts. “It’s really overwhelming what people are going to be going through,” she said.

The fires have also taken a significant emotional toll on residents. “I’m staring at my window right now just watching the mountain burn,” Bure shared. “It’s devastating and so emotionally overwhelming.” Despite the challenges, Bure remains hopeful. “This community will rally around each other,” she said. “We’ve done it in the past. We’re going to do it again.”