Actress Jennifer Garner has revealed that one of her friends perished in the horrific wildfires in California.
The 52-year-old Deadpool and Wolverine actor was spotted fighting back tears as she opened up about her loss in an emotional interview on Friday (10 January).
The mother of three noted that she has done everything she can to assist communities in the Pacific Palisades, which are among the most severely affected.
Authorities believe the flames raging through the upscale district of Los Angeles is the largest conflagration, alongside the Eaton fire, which is said to have burnt almost 36,000 acres of property over the last several days.
Six infernos have raged across the county since Tuesday (7 January), killing 11 people, according to The New York Times.
Garner added that she has been collaborating with the non-profit food relief organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) to provide meals to firemen and residents who have lost everything.
On MSNBC, the actress appeared with chef Jose Andres and stated that ‘hundreds’ of her friends’ houses had gone up in flames, and one friend had sadly died.
Garner’s voice trembled as she told reporter Katy Tur, “I lost a buddy. It’s really sensitive for our church. So, I don’t think I should talk about her just yet.
“Yes, I did lose a friend who did not leave on time.”
She seemed to be referring to a member of the local Methodist Church, which she and her family regularly attend and where Garner’s children attended Sunday school.
“We lit the Advent candle together there a couple of weeks ago,” she told me. “We saw the tiny children perform. It is a preschool. It’s an essential component of our community.
It serves as a meeting place for the entire community. The town is teeming with incredibly eccentric, cool, primarily blue-collar individuals.
“I loved belonging there because wherever I went, I would run into somebody from our community.”
Garner continued, expressing her overwhelming “guilt” over her house’s lack of damage.
The Texas-born artist went on to say, “My heart hurts for all of my friends. I can recall the loss of 5,000 homes and a hundred families.
“Without thinking, I can list over a hundred acquaintances who lost their houses.
“I almost feel guilty walking around my house, but what can I do?” How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands, these walls, and the protection that I possess?”
The Daredevil actor, who also serves as a Save The Children ambassador, stated that she has been utilizing all of her resources to help people in need.
“It is incredible to watch,” she added. “World Central Kitchen and Chef José simply came in and said, ‘We’ve got you. We’ve got this handled. Do not worry.
“After 25 years in the Palisades, I think we all want to help.
Because of my work with Save The Children, we have a relationship with the chef, so I was able to simply ask, ‘Can I join you for the day?’ What can I do to help? Put me to work.”
Garner stated that the organizations will also be in shelters, assisting parents and children, ensuring their safety, social interaction, and emotional well-being.
Fire authorities have now stated that the Palisades fire appears to have turned east on Friday, approaching the region. LA County spokesman Jesus Ruiz called this a significant development.