World News: Los Angeles County is dealing with a string of raging wildfires, with the Pacific Palisades becoming one of the worst-affected places. The rich neighborhood that boasts of celebrities such as Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, and Adam Sandler has been affected by the blaze. The flames began in Pacific Palisades and swept along the stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway towards Malibu, compelling thousands of residents to abandon their homes. At least six wildfires are burning across the county, and officials say five fatalities have been confirmed, with that number expected to rise.A friend in LA just took this video pic.twitter.com/WJBWCHmCUs— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 8, 2025Celebrities weigh in amid the chaosStar Wars legend Mark Hamill shared a harrowing tale on Instagram that he evacuated from his Malibu home at the last minute. There were small fires on both sides of the road as we approached PCH, Hamill reported. Eugene Levy, who has also appeared in the hit TV comedy Schitt&#39s Creek, described the ominous scene to The Los Angeles Times: The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal. I couldn&#39t see any flames but the smoke was very dark.Heart-wrenching memories burned to embersChet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, shared his pain on social media: The neighborhood I grew up in is burning to the ground rn. Pray for the Palisades. Singer-songwriter Diane Warren reported her heartbreak as she confirmed that her nearly 30-year-old beach house probably burned down. “Theres a rainbow shining on it, which Im taking as a sign of hope for all creatures affected by this tragedy,” she wrote, adding that her rescue animals were safe.This is our/neighbors backyard in Los Angeles right now. Power lines sparking against trees. Neighbor and I have been trying to call 911 and Fire Department for 45 min with no answer (as instructed by Power Company).Yes, a lot is going on, but the city is failing us.… pic.twitter.com/qI9pzveZz2— Kyle Zink (@kylezink) January 8, 2025Jamie Lee Curtis calls for calm and factsActress Jamie Lee Curtis of Halloween confirmed on Instagram that she was safe but worried about her community. My family is safe, but many of my friends will lose their homes. There are so many conflicting reports. Please post facts—it will help those wondering! she pleaded.This is by far the craziest video from the fire in Los Angeles. This guy is filming huge walls of fire surrounding a house they&#39re in, and there&#39s another person and a dog. I have no idea why they didn&#39t evacuate or what happened to them. Let&#39s hope they&#39re okay. #PalisadesFire pic.twitter.com/QYtsBSKvdl— Sia Kordestani (@SiaKordestani) January 8, 2025A community in turmoilEven as residents and firefighters engage the flames, Oscar-nominated actor James Woods declared that his family had evacuated safely - a feeling shared by many who have been forced to flee their homes. Even while officials monitor the fires, they are urging residents to make safety their utmost concern and heed evacuation orders.
