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Actor Steve Guttenberg personally lent his help to the fire crews battling the blazes sweeping through southern California.
This week, the ongoing wildfires spread from 20 acres to more than 3,000, including the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, where many A-list celebrities reside. The LA Fire Department said on Wednesday morning (8 January) that the fires are zero per cent contained, with 250 firefighters currently on the scene.
Police Academy star Guttenberg, 66, is one of the celebrities affected by the fires, and was seen assisting fire crews near his house, helping them move cars from the streets to allow emergency vehicle access.
When the evacuation order was issued for the area, many residents abandoned their cars in the street, leaving their keys behind.
The actor told Entertainment Weekly by phone: “Well, what happened was the fire got so close and everybody was trying to get out that it became sort of a little bit of a panic.”
Guttenberg has lived in the Palisades area for three decades.
“In a crisis, always remember that you are, you’re part of a community,” he continued, “and if you’re able-bodied, you’ve got to help. You’ve got to help. You can’t walk by somebody when they need something. You just can’t walk by them. You have to help them.
“There are a lot of people who need help. Some people are so scared. Some people are in wheelchairs, some people are old or infirm, and you need to help them, and you can’t just walk by.”
The actor said he “started just moving cars” after recognising the need for emergency vehicles to get through the blocked streets.
“I knew that we needed emergency vehicles through there,” Guttenberg said. “And I wasn’t the only one.”
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Other celebrities have meanwhile been sharing reactions to the fires.
Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt called for people “to come together to support one another” in a post shared to Instagram.
“Please send prayers and strength tonight to everyone in Los Angeles affected by these devastating fires,” he wrote. “Los Angeles is in a state of emergency and over 30,000 have been ordered to evacuate.”
He continued: “Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and wildlife as they battle fast-moving wildfire fuelled by fierce winds. You are true heroes, and we are endlessly grateful for your sacrifice and courage.”
You can follow live updates on the California wildfires here.
