Celebrities Flee as Wildfires Threaten 10,000 Homes in Pacific Palisades
As wildfires ravage Pacific Palisades, the upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles where many A-list stars reside, residents—including numerous celebrities—are forced to evacuate their lavish homes under emergency warnings of a “direct threat to life.”
A State of Emergency Declared
On Tuesday evening, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared a state of emergency, warning that the worst was yet to come. As panicked residents fled, authorities deployed bulldozers to clear abandoned vehicles, including Teslas, BMWs, and Porsches, from roads to allow first responders access to the burning hillsides.
California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection issued chilling evacuation orders for the affluent coastal region, home to some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Among those affected are Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Jhene Aiko, and Miles Teller, who have all sought safety as the apocalyptic flames close in on their multimillion-dollar properties.
Ben Affleck’s Coastal Mansion
Actor Ben Affleck, known for his roles in Gone Girl and Argo, recently purchased a $20.5 million estate in Pacific Palisades. The 6,200-square-foot property, built in the 1940s by renowned architect Cliff May, sits on nearly an acre of land between Brentwood and Pacific Palisades. Affleck secured the home in July 2023, just in time for the chaos that now threatens it.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: A Risky Escape
Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, own a sprawling $26 million mansion in the area. Acquired in 2010, the 14,500-square-foot estate boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a private cinema and underground pool. As fires spread across the neighborhood, the couple evacuated their luxury property, leaving behind the home they have cherished for over a decade.
Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry’s Cape Cod Haven
Top Gun star Miles Teller and his wife, model Keleigh Sperry, recently moved into a $7.5 million Cape Cod-style home in March 2023. The 6,600-square-foot property includes a private gym, theater, and office. Despite its tranquil setting, the couple now faces the grim reality of wildfires threatening their dream residence.
Jhene Aiko and Big Sean’s Family Retreat
R&B star Jhene Aiko and rapper Big Sean purchased their Pacific Palisades home for $5.6 million in 2023. The half-acre property features luxurious amenities, including a baseball court and pool. As evacuation orders swept the neighborhood, the couple had no choice but to leave their sanctuary behind.
Eugene Levy: Mayor of the Palisades in Peril
Beloved actor Eugene Levy, often referred to as the “honorary mayor” of Pacific Palisades, has been a resident of the area since 2006. As fires engulfed the neighborhood, the Schitt’s Creek star shared his harrowing experience with the Los Angeles Times, describing the ominous black smoke rising from Temescal Canyon.
Heroic Acts Amid Chaos
While most fled, some residents, like Police Academy star Steve Guttenberg, took action. Guttenberg, 66, assisted firefighters by moving abandoned vehicles obstructing access to the fire zone. “This is not a parking lot,” he told KTLA 5. “We need people to leave their keys so we can clear the way for emergency vehicles.”
A Community in Crisis
Veteran actor James Woods documented the devastation on social media, praising the efforts of first responders. “We’re lucky to have LA’s firefighters and police doing their job,” he wrote to his 4.5 million followers. Woods also shared his concerns for the safety of his neighborhood and the schoolchildren who were safely evacuated by local authorities.
A Grim Outlook
As the fires continue to rage, authorities have warned residents to remain vigilant. Pacific Palisades, a haven for Hollywood’s elite, now faces an uncertain future. The devastating wildfires have brought not only destruction but also a somber reminder of nature’s unforgiving power, even in the most luxurious enclaves of Los Angeles.
