Wildfires engulf Hollywood homes

LA catastrophe sweeps through lives of showbiz professionals

Wildfires spreading across the east and west sides of Los Angeles County have pushed Hollywood's activities to an abrupt halt. As per recent updates by The Washington Post, at least five people have died and thousands have been forced out of their homes. Among those affected are showbiz professionals who helplessly watched their homes be engulfed in flames.

Over in the Pacific Palisades, star residents such as Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, Michael Keaton, Miles Teller, and Eugene Levy have been affected by the wind storm burning through the neighbourhood. Levy, who serves as honorary mayor of the area, told The Los Angeles Times, "The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon."

An outpouring of grief

On Instagram, Mandy Moore shared a video clip of the fiery scene as she evacuated the area. "Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets)," she recalled in the caption.

"Honestly, I'm in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children's school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too," she mourned. "Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control."

Famed media personality Paris Hilton uploaded a recording of a new report on X, shedding light on how tragic it is to be informed of the burning of one's own house on television. "Heartbroken beyond words," she wrote. "Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience."

Comedian Billy Crystal was also struck with grief over the loss of his home where he had lived for over four decades. "Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy," he said in a joint statement with wife Janice Crystal.

Livelihoods uprooted

Documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos, who has had multiple encounters with Californian wildfires in the past due to field work, experienced the calamity on a personal level this time. A surveying neighbour informed her that her residence and everything in it was gone.

The previous night, Droz Tragos detected the coming of the flames and quickly evacuated with her family, leaving behind everything that was later consumed by the fire. "I honestly thought this was a dry run, I don't know why," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "You really don't think it's going to happen to you."

Thanking the authorities

Meanwhile, veteran actor James Woods, who broke down in tears while recounting the traumatic event to CNN, took to X to thank the authorities for helping the residents through a safe passage. "We were blessed to have LA fire and police depts doing their jobs so well. We are safe and out. There are several elementary schools in our neighborhood and there was an enormous community effort to evacuate the children safely. Cannot speak more highly of the LA fire and LAPD," he wrote.

Steve Guttenberg also described the harrowing daytime shroud to CNN. "The sky was dark, like it was nighttime," he said. According to him, the spreading blaze is "the most unbelievable I've ever seen."

Peers send prayers

Many relayed condolences on social media in the wake of the tragedy. Among them was The Brutalist star Adrien Brody who wrote on Instagram, "My heart goes out to everyone in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities, including all the animals and wildlife impacted by these catastrophic fires. Sending prayers and gratitude to the brave first responders and to all of you affected by this devastating moment."

Anora director Sean Baker also expressed sympathy for those suffering from loss. He vowed that "all our hearts and prayers" are with those impacted by the ongoing tragedy.

A call to action

On the other hand, film director and screenwriter Jim Jarmusch took this moment to chastise "climate deniers" at the New York Film Critics Circle, reported Deadline. Worried for the lives of those residing in LA, Jarmusch stressed that this "climate crisis" is a wake-up call for those who view the cause as a "negative thing".

President Joe Biden announced on X that he has approved Governor Newsom's appeal to declare this a "major disaster". Federal assistance has also been ordered in response to the spreading calamity in affected areas, in order to ensure the immediate access of funds and resources for surviving communities. This is to aid them in this time of crisis and steer them towards the recovery process.