Ben Affleck’s world was turned upside down when a massive California wildfire forced him to evacuate his $20 million Pacific Palisades home. The actor rushed to safety, heading straight for his ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s home, TMZ reports.
Racing to safety
The 52-year-old actor was spotted on Tuesday night driving his black SUV with his arm hanging out the window, looking visibly shaken. His escape came as the fire came dangerously close to his luxurious bachelor pad.
Affleck, who shares three children with Garner, wasn’t about to take any chances. Sources close to the actor say he rushed to Jennifer’s place, just a short distance away. The two managed to gather the family and get to safety.
Jennifer Garner has been living in a temporary $53,271-a-month rental while her $8 million Brentwood farmhouse undergoes renovations, Architectural Digest reports. It’s just blocks away from Affleck’s mansion, making it the perfect refuge during this terrifying ordeal.
Affleck’s million-dollar bachelor pad
This isn’t the first time the exes have shared space. Affleck has lived in his Palisades home since parting ways with Jennifer Lopez, after their high-profile split. He is one of many celebrities who call this affluent LA neighborhood home, but even the stars are not immune to the fury of wildfires.
Celebrity homes destroyed in the flames
The inferno has devastated the area, and many residents have been forced to evacuate their multimillion-dollar properties. In fact, over 30,000 people have fled the city, as the wildfire has already torched more than 5,000 acres. Several homes, including those of some big names, have been reduced to rubble.
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, the reality TV couple, are among the latest victims. Their home in the exclusive neighborhood has been destroyed by the flames.
Other stars, including Oscar-nominated James Woods and Star Wars legend Mark Hamill, have also been forced out. It’s a reminder that wildfires don’t discriminate.
Fires raging, winds make containment difficult
The high winds in the area have made firefighting efforts incredibly difficult. Gusts of up to 60mph have made it harder for crews to get the blaze under control. LA Fire Chief Marrone confirmed two fatalities, though the cause of death remains unclear.
In addition, many others have been injured, especially in Eaton, as the fire continues to spread. Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, and as of 8 a.m. local time, the fire is 0% contained.
Power outages affect thousands
The situation has escalated quickly. Southern California Edison has shut off power to nearly 120,000 customers across six counties due to the high risk of wildfires. Another 440,000 customers could soon face similar power outages, depending on how the weather develops.
State of emergency declared
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the wake of the fire, as the situation worsens. With thousands of firefighters already on the ground, the Los Angeles Fire Department made a desperate plea for off-duty staff to step in. However, the strong winds have grounded firefighting aircraft, making aerial support impossible.
Multiple fires burning across LA
At least three major fires are burning across the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast all the way inland to Pasadena. Local officials are bracing for even more destruction as the fire continues to rage out of control.
