As the devastating Pacific Palisades fire rages on, first responders continue to provide rescue and assistance. Recently, a KTLA 5 news reporter spotted Hollywood icon Steve Guttenberg, 66, offering his assistance.
Following the issuance of evacuation orders for areas northeast of Merrimac Road, northwest of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and south of Pacific Coast Highway, residents have started to leave their homes.
However, they have encountered sluggish traffic between Palisades Drive and Sunset Boulevard near Highland Village, where multiple fire engines are stationed with firefighters battling the roaring fires.
Guttenberg, who lives nearby, has sprung into action to help with the traffic jam created by automobiles that some neighbors have left behind on Palisades Drive. He has been attempting to relocate vehicles and is pushing people to leave their car keys behind.
Guttenberg added that many individuals are using the area as a parking lot, which is preventing crucial rescue services from reaching the scene.
“Leave the key in your car if you’re leaving it behind, so a man like me can move it and allow the fire engines to reach it.” It’s extremely important,” said the “Police Academy” star.
Guttenberg added that the above-mentioned obstruction on Palisades Drive is preventing his friends from leaving.
“I’m walking as far up there as I can while moving automobiles. There are families and dogs up there.” Some people desperately need assistance,” Guttenberg continued.
The “It Takes Two” star also emphasized the importance of people coming together at this difficult time, urging, “Don’t worry about your own things. Simply get out.” Get your loved ones and leave.”
KTLA 5 reported the fire for the first time on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. As of 12:30 p.m., the fire had grown from 200 acres to over 1,260 acres.
The Pacific Palisades brush fire broke out after the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of Southern California on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Regarding the actor’s well-being during the drama, a spokeswoman for the celebrity, who verified that Steve Guttenberg was “trying to help,” recently provided an update to People. The representative stated that he is doing “okay.”
Netizens who have heard about Guttenberg’s courageous exploits have flooded social media comment sections with appreciation for the actor. “He was a real-life [sic] hero,” said one Facebook user, while another added, “Stay safe, Steve!” What a courageous effort to get people to safety.”
Someone who saw Guttenberg’s KTLA 5 interview praised him, “Steve, you answered extraordinarily well. You’re right about how important it is for individuals to collaborate during an emergency. He consistently strikes me as a genuinely kind man. Another onlooker expressed “prayers for him and everyone affected.”
Another observer applauded “Legend,” saying, “You give the people of California a good reputation.” “This man is a saint.” Keep it up, Gutte! “We love you!” said a Facebook admirer. Another person said, “He’s the hero we didn’t know we needed.”
He is an exceptional individual. One admirer declared, “Follow him and watch your day improve!” Another admirer expressed, “His interview was truly heartbreaking.”
Guttenberg’s heroic actions came after the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) warned the public that the fire was spreading rapidly with little hope of containment.
Winds gusting to 60 mph continue to fuel the flames, making firefighting efforts more challenging. Authorities have cautioned that the fire’s extraordinary behavior, such as spotting across vast distances, presents a serious threat to adjacent populations.
In response to the mounting threat, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to aid Palisades fire victims. He urged the citizens to remain vigilant, take measures, and follow emergency orders.
We have issued mandatory evacuation orders for 15 Los Angeles zones. Residents of LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, RMB-U030-A, SSM-U010-A, SSM-U010-B, TOP-U001, TOP-U002, TOP-U003, TOP-U004, TOP-U005, TOP-U006, TOP-U007, TOP-U008, and TOP-U009 must evacuate immediately for their own safety.
Furthermore, authorities have issued evacuation alerts for 19 additional zones, urging residents to be ready to leave at any moment.
CAL-C405, CAL-C406, CAL-C407, CAL-C408, CAL-C409, CAL-C410, CAL-C411, CAL-C412, CAL-C413, CAL-C414, CAL-C415, DRY-U026, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C112, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, RRC-U027, and SDP-U029.
The Westwood Recreation Center, located at 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025, has established an evacuation center. Those displaced from their homes can find supplies and temporary help at this refuge.
Additionally, the wildfire and evacuation operations have blocked numerous major routes in the vicinity. These are: Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Las Flores Canyon Road, Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and Coastline Drive and Southbound Pacific Coast Highway.
Drivers should avoid these regions and follow CHP-West Valley updates for the most up-to-date road closure information.
Firefighters from CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles City Fire Department are working diligently to control the fire. We are employing ground workers and air assets to limit its progress and safeguard homes, infrastructure, and life.
As the Palisades fire spreads, officials continue to encourage people to observe evacuation orders and remain updated via official channels as the situation unfolds.