Grown Ups star David Spade has taken to social media to offer a cash reward to anyone who helps ‘cops to bust’ anyone trying to start a fire in LA ‘and throw them in jail’.
On January 9, authorities confirmed a man had been detained and was suspected by locals of trying to light a fire in Los Angeles amid the ongoing devastation being caused by wildfires.
The suspect was spotted by locals in the Ybarra Road area of the Woodland Hills area allegedly trying to start a fire, the residents immediately calling police.
The man was spotted by locals on a bicycle, riding around with a blow torch in his hand, Fox 11 Los Angeles reports.
He was allegedly seen attempting to set fire to garbage cans and old Christmas trees lying out on the street using the appliance.
A Los Angeles Police Department official previously said it was believed the man tried to start a fire intentionally. However, on January 10, LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi updated during a press conference there wasn’t enough evidence to charge the man with arson, and so he was arrested on felony probation violation.
He said: “After the interview and additional investigative steps, looking at some additional evidence that was present, they made the determination that there was not enough probable cause to arrest this person on arson or suspicion of arson.
“The investigation is ongoing. I would like to thank those community members that were involved […] in bringing this person to our attention.”
Comedian and actor David Spade has since appealed to residents in Los Angeles, offering a reward for anyone who spots anyone else trying to ‘light fires out there’.
David Spade has offered a reward to anyone who catches someone trying to set a fire in LA (FOX via Getty Images)
In a post shared to his Instagram story he said: “There’s guys lighting fires out there, make this s**t worse. They just caught somebody who we’re pretty sure was lighting fires, walking around with a blow torch, they let him go.
“So if you can find someone lighting a fire and you can catch somebody and you can get the cops to bust them and throw them in jail, I’ll give you 5,000 bucks.
“So keep your eyes peeled, do you what you can out there. Don’t fake it though, no staging. Let me know.”
And it’s not taken long for people to weigh in on the offer.
Spade warned followers to not ‘fake it though’ (Instagram/ @davidspade)
One Twitter user said: “That’s awesome.”
“True patriot,” another added.
A third commented: “Good man.”
And a fourth resolved: “Did not have arson bounty hunter vigilante David Spade on my bingo card.”
UNILAD has contacted LAPD for comment.
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
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Featured Image Credit: Paul Morigi/Getty Images/PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Los Angeles, Wildfires, Money, Celebrity, Film and TV, Entertainment
Poppy Bilderbeck
How celebrities are being affected by the LA wildfires as thousands lose their homes
Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton and Jamie Lee Curtis are among the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the fires
It’s no secret that Los Angeles is the home of the stars, and that means that like hundreds of thousands of others in the city, A-listers have had to pack up, get out, and even say goodbye to their homes forever.
In many cases, wealthy stars living in LA have more options when it comes to emergencies. They’re able to afford alternative accommodation or even relocate to other properties they own during evacuations; they have the means to go without work for longer periods of time without worrying about paying the bills, and they have the wealth to rebuild their lives more quickly.
That being said, celebrities are not immune to natural disasters. They’re only human, and there are a number of ways the LA wildfires have impacted many big names.
Evacuations
At the time of writing (January 13), three fires in Los Angeles continue to burn in spite of firefighters’ ongoing and exhaustive efforts. The Hurst Fire covers 799 acres and is 89 percent contained, the Eaton fire spans 14,117 acres and is 27 percent contained, and the largest, the Palisades fire, covers 23,713 acres and is just 13 percent contained.
As a result, more than 153,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with thousands more warned that they may need to leave at any moment.
Among those who have fled the area include Chrissy Teigen, Mandy Moore, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Mark Hamill.
Many of the stars have taken to social media to share updates on their situations, with Curtis sharing footage on Instagram of the remains of the streets surrounding her home.
“Our beloved neighborhood is gone,” she wrote alongside the clip, before adding: “Our home is safe. So many others have lost everything. Help where you can. Thank you to the first responders and firefighters.”
The Palisades fire is barely contained (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Lost homes
Though leaving your home behind is tough, in many cases it was the right move to keep the stars safe as their properties went on to suffer damage and destruction due to fires.
Nobody Wants This star Adam Brody and his wife, Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, reportedly had their home reduced to ‘rubble and ash’ as a blaze swept through the area.
Paris Hilton’s Malibu mansion was also completely destroyed in the fire – a realization Hilton had as she watched her home ‘burn to the ground on live TV.’
Hilton described the loss as ‘overwhelming’, though expressed gratitude that her family is ‘safe’.
Other stars who have lost their homes include Miles Teller, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt and Anna Faris.
Mandy Moore’s home was lost to the Eaton Fire (CNN/Instagram/Mandy Moore)
Canceled events
Staying safe and continuing to raise awareness for the fires and the victims is paramount at the moment, but celebrities have also been impacted by the blazes in slightly less direct ways.
The fires come in the midst of awards season in Hollywood, and as a result the 2025 Oscar nominations and Critics’ Choice Awards, as well as a number of movie premieres, have been delayed. Though not a priority at a time when people’s lives are at risk, the events are some that celebrities work towards all year, and which they strive for when performing.
Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Awards, noted that the fires have had a ‘profound impact’ on the community.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected,” he said.
According to Sky News, the Oscars nominations have been delayed in a bid to give members of the Academy ‘more time to cast their ballots’.
Premiers that have been canceled include Jennifer Lopez’s movie, Unstoppable.
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
All the celebrities who have lost their homes in LA wildfires
Paris Hilton
(Instagram/@parishilton)
Paris Hilton said on social media that she watched her Malibu home ‘burn to the ground’ on television.
She wrote: “I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock—I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.”
Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore shared a video of the devastation in Altadena (Instagram/@mandymooremm)
Meanwhile, singer and actor Mandy Moore spoke of her heartbreak as the fires ‘levelled’ her neighbourhood of Altadena.
The This Is Us star shared an update on her ‘home’ on Instagram, explaining: “This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home.
“I am devastated and gutted for those of us who’ve lost so much. I’m absolutely numb.”
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
Pratt showed his house was completely destroyed by the fire (TikTok/@spencerpratt)
The Hills’ Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt also lost their home, with Pratt sharing a heartbreaking update on Instagram.
Posting a photo of thick smoke suffocating his sons’ nursery, he wrote: “The one positive sign i saw as our house burned down was ours son’s bed burned in the shape of a heart.
“A sign of how much love was in this house so thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”
Anna Faris
Her reps confirmed she’s safe (annafaris/Instagram)
Scary Movie star Anna Faris tragically lost the home she shared with her family in the Pacific Palisades.
Representatives for the actor told People: “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful.”
Ricki Lake
Ricki Lake opened up about her loss on Instagram (Instagram/@rickilake)
Hairspray star and talk show host Ricki Lake took to social media to confirm the ‘immeasurable’ loss of her ‘dream home’.
“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words,” she began. “It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together.
“We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved Malibu for granted, not even for one second.
“I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you.”
Lake confirmed she will soon share ‘how [she] escaped’, adding: “For now I grieve.”
Diane Warren
Celebrated songwriter and Academy Honorary Award winner Diane Warren confirmed the house she’d lived in for nearly 30 years was destroyed in the blaze.
She wrote: “There’s a rainbow shining on it, which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.
“The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”
Billy Crystal
When Harry Met Sally star Crystal and his wife, Janice, confirmed they lost the home they’d lived in since 1979 in the devastating blaze.
In a statement, Crystal said all that remained of his property was its tennis court.
He said: “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.
“We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
Eugene Levy
Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy is among those whose homes were lost in the raging wildfires, as per the Daily Mail.
The actor had told the Los Angeles Times that he had been caught in a gridlock while attempting to evacuate the danger zone.
“The smoke looked pretty black and intense of Temescal Canyon,” he stated. “I couldn’t see any flames, but the smoke was very dark.”
Cameron Mathison
Cameron Mathison took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking video (Instagram/@cameronmathison)
General Hospital star Cameron Mathison shared a shocking video of his house reduced to rubble and ash as he gave fans an update.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “We are safe But this is what’s left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday.”
The Canadian actor had lived in the home with their now-estranged wife, Vanessa Arevalo, and their two children, having purchased it in 2012.
Sandra Lee
Cookbook author and TV show host Sandra Lee revealed that the fires destroyed her Malibu home, which had been a sanctuary during her ‘darkest moments ‘.
Posting an emotional Instagram Reel, she spoke of her heartbreak but also expressed gratitude for the safety of her loved ones.
“I cried all night and thought about every room, nook, and cranny,” she explained, adding: “Everyone is safe, that is all that matters,” she resolved.
Lee purchased the home in November 2019, a milestone moment after splitting from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The chef had aspired to purchase such a property since her early days as a waitress in 1989.
Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes also lost his home (Instagram/@caryelwes)
Having previously shared a video of the ‘biblical’ Los Angeles blaze as he was evacuated, The Princess Bride star later confirmed his home was no longer.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Sadly, we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.
“Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also with to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it.”
Milo Ventimiglia
The star watched on as his home burnt down (CBS)
The This Is Us star revealed that he’d watched his house burn down on his security cameras.
He told CBS: “It’s heavy. You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and whatnot, and then you see your neighbours’ houses and everything kind of around, and your heart just breaks.”
Mel Gibson
The Mad Max actor said he found out his home had been destroyed in the fires while filming an episode of Joe Rogen’s podcast.
He told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports: “It’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional. I was doing the Rogan podcast… And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking because I knew my neighbourhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there.”
Tina Knowles
Beyoncé’s mother took to Instagram to share that her Malibu bungalow had been lost to the fires.
She wrote: “This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favourite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!”
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
Adam Brody’s Los Angeles home has been ‘reduced to rubble and ash,’ according to reports from TMZ.
Images shared by the publication showed ‘black smoke’ rising from the wreckage.
Brody and his wife, Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, reportedly purchased their home in 2019 and lived there with their two children.
Miles Teller
Miles Teller’s wife shared a photo of their home on social media (Instagram/@keleighteller)
According to the Daily Mail, Whiplash star Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry Teller join the list of stars who’ve lost their homes in the brutal natural disaster.
The couple, who married in 2019, purchased the 6,600-square-foot mansion in April 2023.
His wife later took to Instagram to share some photos of their house, writing: “Snapped this driving out.
“To everyone reaching out I can’t thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, I’ll never forget them.”
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Featured Image Credit: Kayla Oaddams/WireImage via Getty/JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Los Angeles, Wildfires, Celebrity
Emily Brown
Millionaires in LA are paying astronomical amounts for private firefighters to protect their homes from wildfires
24 people have died as a result of the wildfires so far
The owner of a company which provides private firefighters to the mega rich has claimed that some LA residents are shelling out huge fees to protect their homes from the devastating fires.
It has been close to a week since since the fires started to rampage through Los Angeles, where hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated, thousands of buildings have burnt to the ground and tens of thousands of acres of land have been destroyed.
The Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, Lidia, and the Archer neighborhoods have been largely affected, while the official death toll has risen to 24 overnight.
As the fires continue to wreak havoc, some LA millionaires are reportedly forking out small fortunes to hire private fire crews to help protect their properties from devastation.
The fires are continuing to wreak havoc (Official Flickr Account of CAL FIRE / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
While private firefighters often join forces with the state during an emergency like what is happening in California right now, some have begun offering ‘on call’ services in the past few years.
However, the Daily Mail reports they can charge a whopping $2,000 an hour for their services – meaning the benefit is really only available to the most wealthy living in LA.
The private firefighters are available with their own water supplies, trucks, hoses, and other industry-standard equipment.
Keith Wasserman, who is a millionaire real estate investor based in LA, took to Twitter in a bid to hire a private firefighter.
“Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors’ houses burning. Will pay any amount. Thank you,” he penned on social media.
While the service is extremely expensive, Chris Dunn, owner of Covered 6 which provides the service, has told the Daily Mail his mobile has been ‘ringing off the hook’ with rich LA homeowners wanting to book his services.
Millionaires in LA are paying for private firefighters (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
As all that takes place, more than 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes amid the ongoing wildfires.
Jeff Macomber, secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said last week: “Wildfires are a constant and formidable challenge for California, and CDCR conservation fire camps remain dedicated to supporting the state’s response.
“The work of our incarcerated firefighters and staff is an essential part of this effort, and their commitment to protecting lives and property during these emergencies cannot be overstated.”
As winds in the LA are predicted to pick up to begin the week, LA city fire chief, Kristin Crowley, said in a press briefing on Sunday (January 12) that active fires are still posing a major threat.
“There’s no power, there’s no water, there’s broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures. The first responders are working as quickly as possible to ensure that it is safe for you to return into your communities,” he said.
All the celebrities who have lost their homes in LA wildfires
Paris Hilton
(Instagram/@parishilton)
Paris Hilton said on social media that she watched her Malibu home ‘burn to the ground’ on television.
She wrote: “I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock—I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.”
Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore shared a video of the devastation in Altadena (Instagram/@mandymooremm)
Meanwhile, singer and actor Mandy Moore spoke of her heartbreak as the fires ‘levelled’ her neighbourhood of Altadena.
The This Is Us star shared an update on her ‘home’ on Instagram, explaining: “This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home.
“I am devastated and gutted for those of us who’ve lost so much. I’m absolutely numb.”
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
Pratt showed his house was completely destroyed by the fire (TikTok/@spencerpratt)
The Hills’ Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt also lost their home, with Pratt sharing a heartbreaking update on Instagram.
Posting a photo of thick smoke suffocating his sons’ nursery, he wrote: “The one positive sign i saw as our house burned down was ours son’s bed burned in the shape of a heart.
“A sign of how much love was in this house so thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”
Anna Faris
Her reps confirmed she’s safe (annafaris/Instagram)
Scary Movie star Anna Faris tragically lost the home she shared with her family in the Pacific Palisades.
Representatives for the actor told People: “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful.”
Ricki Lake
Ricki Lake opened up about her loss on Instagram (Instagram/@rickilake)
Hairspray star and talk show host Ricki Lake took to social media to confirm the ‘immeasurable’ loss of her ‘dream home’.
“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words,” she began. “It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together.
“We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved Malibu for granted, not even for one second.
“I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you.”
Lake confirmed she will soon share ‘how [she] escaped’, adding: “For now I grieve.”
Diane Warren
Celebrated songwriter and Academy Honorary Award winner Diane Warren confirmed the house she’d lived in for nearly 30 years was destroyed in the blaze.
She wrote: “There’s a rainbow shining on it, which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.
“The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”
Billy Crystal
When Harry Met Sally star Crystal and his wife, Janice, confirmed they lost the home they’d lived in since 1979 in the devastating blaze.
In a statement, Crystal said all that remained of his property was its tennis court.
He said: “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.
“We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
Eugene Levy
Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy is among those whose homes were lost in the raging wildfires, as per the Daily Mail.
The actor had told the Los Angeles Times that he had been caught in a gridlock while attempting to evacuate the danger zone.
“The smoke looked pretty black and intense of Temescal Canyon,” he stated. “I couldn’t see any flames, but the smoke was very dark.”
Cameron Mathison
Cameron Mathison took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking video (Instagram/@cameronmathison)
General Hospital star Cameron Mathison shared a shocking video of his house reduced to rubble and ash as he gave fans an update.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “We are safe But this is what’s left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday.”
The Canadian actor had lived in the home with their now-estranged wife, Vanessa Arevalo, and their two children, having purchased it in 2012.
Sandra Lee
Cookbook author and TV show host Sandra Lee revealed that the fires destroyed her Malibu home, which had been a sanctuary during her ‘darkest moments ‘.
Posting an emotional Instagram Reel, she spoke of her heartbreak but also expressed gratitude for the safety of her loved ones.
“I cried all night and thought about every room, nook, and cranny,” she explained, adding: “Everyone is safe, that is all that matters,” she resolved.
Lee purchased the home in November 2019, a milestone moment after splitting from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The chef had aspired to purchase such a property since her early days as a waitress in 1989.
Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes also lost his home (Instagram/@caryelwes)
Having previously shared a video of the ‘biblical’ Los Angeles blaze as he was evacuated, The Princess Bride star later confirmed his home was no longer.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Sadly, we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.
“Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also with to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it.”
Milo Ventimiglia
The star watched on as his home burnt down (CBS)
The This Is Us star revealed that he’d watched his house burn down on his security cameras.
He told CBS: “It’s heavy. You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and whatnot, and then you see your neighbours’ houses and everything kind of around, and your heart just breaks.”
Mel Gibson
The Mad Max actor said he found out his home had been destroyed in the fires while filming an episode of Joe Rogen’s podcast.
He told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports: “It’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional. I was doing the Rogan podcast… And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking because I knew my neighbourhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there.”
Tina Knowles
Beyoncé’s mother took to Instagram to share that her Malibu bungalow had been lost to the fires.
She wrote: “This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favourite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!”
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
Adam Brody’s Los Angeles home has been ‘reduced to rubble and ash,’ according to reports from TMZ.
Images shared by the publication showed ‘black smoke’ rising from the wreckage.
Brody and his wife, Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, reportedly purchased their home in 2019 and lived there with their two children.
Miles Teller
Miles Teller’s wife shared a photo of their home on social media (Instagram/@keleighteller)
According to the Daily Mail, Whiplash star Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry Teller join the list of stars who’ve lost their homes in the brutal natural disaster.
The couple, who married in 2019, purchased the 6,600-square-foot mansion in April 2023.
His wife later took to Instagram to share some photos of their house, writing: “Snapped this driving out.
“To everyone reaching out I can’t thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, I’ll never forget them.”
0 comments
Featured Image Credit: Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images/DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Los Angeles, Wildfires, California, US News
Callum Jones
Mandy Moore’s sister-in-law speaks out in emotional interview following backlash on GoFundMe page for LA wildfire
Kit and Griffin Goldsmith lost their home in the Eaton Fire just weeks before they’re set to welcome a baby
Brother and sister-in-law of Mandy Moore, Kit and Griffin Goldsmith, have opened up about ‘trying to figure out’ what to do after losing their home in the Eaton Fire.
Singer and actor Mandy Moore – full name Amanda Leigh Moore – who rose to fame with her 1999 debut single ‘Candy’, is one of the of hundreds of thousands of people affected by the fire wildfires burning through California, destroying thousands of structures in Los Angeles and having taken the lives of at least 10 people.
However, when Moore shared a GoFundMe to help raise funds for her brother and sister-in-law who’d lost their home to the Eaton Fire just weeks before their baby is due to arrive, the singer seemingly faced backlash.
The fundraiser was set up by Hilary Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, and detailed Griffin – a touring musician – losing all of his drums and studio gear in the fire, adding the kit helps him to ‘make a living’.
Moore reshared the GoFundMe on Instagram encouraging followers to donate, however, she was seemingly met with some backlash, adding: “People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic. Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them.”
Kit and Griffin have since appeared on CNN’s The Lead and when asked how they’re going to try and navigate their way forward, weeks away from having a baby, Kit said: “That’s a question we’re trying to figure out. We had an immense support group in Altadena. You know they say it takes a village to raise a family and Altadena was a vibrant village we were really relying on in this next phase of our life.
The couple are weeks away from welcoming a baby (CNN)
“Without that, we don’t have any answers. We don’t know. We’re very fortunate to still have family and friends in LA. Griffin and I are both from Los Angeles, we grew up in this city, we love this city so much. And seeing it just be destroyed from end-to-end and everyone who is losing everything is a nightmare.
Breaking down in tears, she continued: “We feel for everyone who is going through this and we know we’re going to bring into this world another sweet little boy and he will also be a part of this city and we will raise him when we rebuild.”
Griffin added: “It’s a test and we know what really matters and it is exactly that, everything… we spent out life building. I just try to remind myself the things I really care for – my family, my animals – I’m still a musician even if I’m devoid of all my instruments.”
“It is awful and desire but on the other hand it’s been incredibly inspiring to see the support, everybody is just filling the space with love, it’s overwhelming.”
The pair’s home was lost to the Eaton Fire (CNN/ Instagram/ Mandy Moore)
Kit resolved: “Amidst all the loss is an abundance of love, it’s incredible.”
Like many, the couple are now faced with the question of whether or not to remain in Southern California and re-build their property or relocate, holding on and waiting to see what happens.
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Conversation3 Comments
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Don’t expect people to donate to California when people in W Virginia & N Carolina are sleeping in tents in freezing temperatures, they don’t have access to tons of money…….they also have lost everything.
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They are a red state. They don’t count in the grand scheme. God doesn’t have a grand scheme. They count where it matters.
Featured Image Credit: CNN/Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Topics: California, Celebrity, Los Angeles, US News, Wildfires
Poppy Bilderbeck
Jennifer Garner fights back tears as she reveals she lost a friend in LA wildfires as death toll rises to 11
Garner spoke out about the devastation to the community while helping out in the Pacific Palisades area
Jennifer Garner has opened up about her ‘heart bleeding’ for all her friends affected by the Palisades fire, including one friend tragically passing away.
The fires raging through California have caused devastation across Los Angeles, leaving thousands of structures and homes damaged or destroyed, leading hundreds of thousands to be forced to evacuate and at least 11 confirmed to have been killed.
And one of those who has passed away is reported as being a friend of Jennifer Garner.
Garner and World Central Kitchen’s Chef José Andrés joined MSNBC reporter Katy Tur in the area of the Palisades, surrounded by rubble and debris of buildings and homes lost to the blaze.
The trio were surrounded by buildings ruined by the fires (YouTube/ MSNBC)
The 13 Going on 30 star explained: “I’ve lived in and around the Palisades for 25 years so I think all of us, we want to get our hands into working somehow to be helpful. because of my work with save the children I have a relationship with Chef and I was able to just say, ‘Can I be with you for the day? What can I do to help? Put me to work’.”
Garner revealed her ‘best friend’s house’ used to be ‘down the street’ and had a gong in the front year.
She reflected: “There were so many kids that played in the street and they’d hit the gong at the end of the day and call them home just like neighborhoods across the country. It is not some far away place that you can’t reach. this is the street we run down on 5Ks, this is where the firetruck that – God bless our firefighters – goes on the 4th of July parade.
“This is a neighborhood.”
The actor then acknowledged she actually ‘did lose a friend’ to the fires however, she noted her friend’s passing is still ‘really tender’ for the church community in the area she won’t ‘talk about her yet,’ although she confirmed: “I did lose a friend who did not get out in time.”
Appearing to fight back tears, she continued: “My heart bleeds for my friends. I can think of 100 families and there are 5,000 homes lost. I could write out a list of 100 friends who lost their homes. I feel almost guilty walking through my house. What can I do, how can I help? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety I have?”
Garner resolved: “It is an incredible thing to watch World Central Kitchen and Chef José just come in and – ‘We’ve got this handled. We’ve got you’.”
Meanwhile, Chef José emphasized: “The most important thing here is once the cameras are gone, once everybody forgets what’s happening we’ve seen – like in Nashville and North Carolina – what we need to make sure […] is we cannot leave these communities forgotten.
“Everybody has to remember them […] so they can start reconstruction […] We need to make sure the people who lost their jobs, probably for weeks or months, they’re not going to have an income, that we take care of those people.”
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email info@grievewell.com.
