Oscar-winning actor Ben Affleck was among the many who had to flee their homes as devastating wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, affecting both celebrities and everyday residents.
- Jan 9, 2025
AceShowbiz - Hollywood star Ben Affleck was forced to evacuate his $20.5 million Pacific Palisades mansion as deadly wildfires continued to scorch Los Angeles. Affleck, 52, who purchased the five-bedroom, six-bathroom home just five months ago, was seen fleeing the estate Tuesday night, January 7 amid the treacherous blaze.
The Oscar-winner's new luxury home, acquired shortly after his separation from Jennifer Lopez, is located in the evacuation area. Despite the sprawling estate featuring amenities like a pool, guesthouse, horse stables, and media room, Affleck never quite warmed up to the house, according to a source.
"Ben never liked the house. It's too far away from his kids," shared an insider last June. Affleck has three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner: Violet, 19, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 12.
Affleck was photographed driving a black SUV to his bachelor pad, looking shocked and concerned as he watched the area was ravaged by fire. He later drove his car to his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's nearby Brentwood home, just hours after the wildfire broke out, with black smoke filling the sky. While Garner and their children had not yet been ordered to evacuate, all residents in the area were on high alert.
The fires wreaking havoc in Southern California have already prompted over 80,000 people to evacuate. Local firefighters have struggled as water supplies run low, with fire hydrants down and the supply "just dropped," according to a firefighter on the ground. The ongoing blazes, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, have spread over 5,000 acres, claiming at least two lives by Wednesday afternoon.
Apart from Affleck, other celebrities like James Woods, Eugene Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore, and Mark Hamill have had to leave their homes in the ritzy Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag's home was destroyed, though they evacuated safely. The likes of Cameron Mathison, Anna Faris, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, as well Diane Warren also lost their homes in the fires. Montecito residents such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could also be affected by possible power outages or evacuation orders.
Among the notable incidents, the LA premiere of Jennifer Lopez's film "Unstoppable," produced by Affleck, was canceled due to the fire outbreak. Chelsea Handler-hosted Critics Choice Awards were put on hold. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the severity of the situation as first responders continue battling the blazes.
