Dwayne Johnson "Heartbroken" Over Maui Wildfires
Los Angeles firefighters are trying their best to bring comfort in the chaos.
During the raging brush fires in the Los Angeles areas of the Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Malibu, firefighters jumped into action to save cherished belongings from burning homes.
“Firefighters responding to the #PalisadesFire saved several belongings from a burning home,” NBC LA reported Jan. 7 on Instagram, alongside a video of uniformed firefighters bringing a variety of sentimental items to safety on the sidewalk. “LAFD’s No. 37 station was on Lachman Lane battling the fire when some firefighters began moving photo albums, a grandfather clock and other belongings.”
Indeed, the local heroes went above and beyond to bring an ounce of comfort to the tragedy. And after someone noticed their good deeds, one firefighter responded, “Just trying to save some photos.”
And among the many that were affected by the wildfire, which was being spurred by winds of up to 80 mph, were The Hills alums Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag. While the couple was able to safely evacuate their Pacific Palisades neighborhood with their sons Gunner, 7, and Ryker, 2, the home they were forced to leave behind did not survive the blaze.
"I'm watching our house burn down on the security cameras," Spencer shared in a Snapchat video Jan. 7, sharing footage of their deck and children's room up in flames.
Later confirming the loss of their house, his sister Stephanie Pratt showed her support on social media.
"I am beyond heartbroken for my brother, Heidi & the kids," Stephanie wrote on her Instagram Story Jan. 7. "And to all of our friends and neighbors who have lost their houses today."
"Just spoke to my dad - he tried to save my brother's house but the wind is so strong there was nothing he could do," she continued. "My parents evacuated safely and are watching the fire rage towards their house on security cameras."
And with over 30,000 southern California residents forced to seek safety elsewhere, some bumped into difficulties getting through the congested traffic—including Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy.
“The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon,” the 78-year-old told The Los Angeles Times in a Jan. 7 interview. “I couldn’t see any flames but the smoke was very dark.”
Even this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations—previously set to be announced at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles—were cancelled in the midst of the dangerous fires.
“In an abundance of caution for the safety of our presenters, guests, and staff, the live in-person 31st SAG Awards nominations announcement has been cancelled due to the wildfires and adverse wind conditions in Los Angeles,” a Jan. 8 statement read, stating that the nominees will be announced via press release. “In the meantime, we urge everyone to stay safe.”
For more stars that have spoken out about their experience with the tragic wildfires, keep reading…
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