The Palisades Fire continues to rage through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, devastating homes and displacing thousands, including high-profile residents. Driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, the wildfire began in the Santa Monica Mountains on Tuesday morning and rapidly spread across nearly 3,000 acres by sunset.
Reality TV stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are among the most notable victims, losing their home to the ferocious blaze. Pratt, known for The Hills, shared videos on Snapchat documenting the fire’s rapid approach. “First time I’ve seen the flames coming over. Aw, man. Okay, I’m going to go pack up, I think,” Pratt said in a video. Hours later, he posted footage from his security cameras, showing their home engulfed in flames. Montag confirmed their loss in a separate video but assured followers that they were safe.
The fire has also prompted other celebrities to evacuate their homes. Alabama and Landon Barker, children of musician Travis Barker, shared updates about their evacuation on Instagram. Actress Denise Crosby, professional dancer Derek Hough, and “Shrinking” star Christa B. Miller also reported leaving their homes to ensure safety.
Eugene Levy, the honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades, described the scene as “intense” during a phone interview, adding that traffic and thick smoke complicated evacuation efforts. Meanwhile, actor Chris Pratt asked followers on X to pray for firefighters and residents, writing, “Jesus protect the lives of those battling the flames and the lives of those who couldn’t evacuate.”
The fire has devastated the affluent neighborhood, leaving destruction in its wake. Tom Hanks’ son, Chet Hanks, reflected on the loss, stating, “The neighborhood I grew up in is burning to the ground.”
Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, prioritizing evacuations and rescues. Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy described the dire situation, emphasizing that strong winds and dry conditions make containment efforts nearly impossible.
As the Palisades Fire rages on, the bravery of first responders and the resilience of the community remain evident. Celebrities and residents alike have shared their gratitude for those risking their lives to protect others. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the need for preparedness in high-risk areas.