LOS ANGELES — Steve Guttenberg woke up on Thursday to a devastating sight: the once vibrant landscape of Pacific Palisades had been ravaged by a fierce wildfire, transforming his neighborhood into a scene of destruction.
While many homes around him were reduced to ashes and evacuation orders caused chaos, Guttenberg found himself one of the lucky ones, as his own property remained unharmed. However, he grappled with feelings of relief mixed with sorrow as he surveyed the damage surrounding him.
“Just this morning, I woke up and I was really conscious of my mental state and my mental health, because the last three days, I’ve seen so much tragedy,” he remarked while wandering through the wreckage of his community. Though he had power, his home was without running water.
Guttenberg expressed gratitude that his block managed to escape the worst of the flames, but lamented that approximately 20 houses suffered severe damage in their 80-home neighborhood as high winds fueled the uncontained fires sweeping across Los Angeles. According to him, this wildfire was the most devastating he had witnessed in his 66 years.
The fires have not only impacted Guttenberg but also affected numerous celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes, and Paris Hilton, with damage to their homes as well.
He conveyed the shock of the situation, saying, “It’s like when someone dies suddenly. It’s like when someone gets hit by a car. You never expect that to happen. That’s how shocking it was.”
As Guttenberg took in the surroundings, he noted the surreal scene of charred palm trees and homes reduced to rubble, all under the foreboding twilight of the smoke-filled sky.
“We’ve witnessed people filled with fear, individuals in wheelchairs, parents desperately searching for their children, and others suffering from anxiety and panic attacks,” he stated, explaining why he returned to his neighborhood—to assist those who had chosen to remain behind. His efforts included helping to clear roads by moving cars, distributing food, and offering support to neighbors.
Pointing to a charred house, he reflected, “All these houses behind me burned to the ground where families enjoyed wonderful times together. There’s really a lot of pain going on right now. I’m doing whatever I can to help alleviate it.”
For others wishing to contribute, Guttenberg encouraged simply reaching out to displaced neighbors with a call or text, asking about their needs—be it food, supplies, or emotional support. He also suggested that those who can safely return to their homes do so to evaluate the damage and offer assistance.
As the star of popular films like “Short Circuit,” “Police Academy,” and “Three Men and a Baby,” Guttenberg is uncertain how the film and television industry will respond during this challenging time, especially with awards season approaching.
“Everybody’s gonna do what regular people do: Help each other, give each other food and water, help each other in their backyards, in their front yards,” he noted. “Even though somebody’s an actor, producer, writer, director, we’re all just people… Maybe people can donate at one point to some sort of fund. But I just think, be a good neighbor right now.”
When asked about how long it might take for the neighborhood to recover from this disaster, Guttenberg estimated that rebuilding could take between five to ten years.
“It’s going to be a lot of work,” he acknowledged. “It’s going to be unbelievable to try to rebuild all the beautiful trees, homes, and local businesses. The psychological impact of it all will require significant time to address.”
