Actor Steve Guttenberg, 66, Offers Helping Hand amid Pacific Palisades Fire — Details

As the severe Pacific Palisades fire rages on, first responders continue rescue and relief efforts. Lending a helping hand is Hollywood star, Steve Guttenberg, 66, who was recently seen speaking to a KTLA 5 news reporter about how residents in the area can assist.

After evacuation orders were placed in effect for civilians northeast of Merrimac Road, northwest of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and south to Pacific Coast Highway, residents have been leaving their homes.

However, they have been met with slow traffic along Palisades Drive and Sunset Boulevard near Highland Village, as several fire trucks are also in the area with crews battling against the raging flames.

Springing into action to assist with the obstruction caused by cars that some residents have left behind on Palisades Drive, Guttenberg, who lives nearby, has been trying to move vehicles and is urging individuals to leave their car keys behind.

Guttenberg explained that many people are treating the area as some sort of parking lot, which is further hindering critical rescue resources from gaining access to the location.

“If you leave your car [behind], leave the key in there so a guy like me can move your car so that these fire trucks can get up there. It’s really, really important,” remarked the “Police Academy” actor.

Guttenberg also pointed out that he has friends who are currently unable to evacuate due to the blockage on Palisades Drive caused by the aforementioned.

“I’m walking up there as far as I can, moving cars. There are families up there, there are pets up there. There are people who really need help,” added Guttenberg.

The “It Takes Two” talent also highlighted how instrumental it is for people to rally together during this challenging time and urged, “Don’t worry about your personal property. Just get out. Get your loved ones and get out.”

According to KTLA 5, initial reports about the fire came on Tuesday (January 7, 2025) around 10:30 a.m. Thus far, the fire has expanded to over 1,260 acres from 200 acres (by 12:30 p.m.).

The Pacific Palisades brush fire began after a red flag warning for a vast portion of Southern California had been issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Regarding the actor’s well-being amid the chaos, a rep for the star, who confirmed that Steve Guttenberg was “trying to help,” recently gave an update to People. The rep disclosed that he is doing “okay.”

Netizens who have heard of Guttenberg’s heroic antics have been flooding social media comment sections with praise for the actor. “He was a real life [sic] hero,” remarked a Facebooker, while another chimed in with, “Stay safe Steve! What a heroic effort to get people to safety. 🙏🏻.”

Someone who had seen Guttenberg’s KTLA 5 interview commended, “Steve, you responded extraordinary [sic] well. You’re right about how important it is for people to band together in an emergency.” “He’s always seemed like a genuinely good guy. Praying for him and everyone affected,” added another spectator.

Even more compliments ensued, with yet another observer praising, “Legend. You give the people of California a good name.” “This man is a saint. Keep it up, Guttes! We love you!” swooned a fan on Facebook. Another gushed, “He’s the hero we didn’t know we needed.”

“He is a wonderful man. Follow him and watch your day get better!” asserted a fellow admirer, while someone else expressed, “His interview was just heartbreaking.”

Guttenberg’s heroism comes after the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) alerted the public that the fire continues to spread uncontrollably with no containment in sight.

Winds of up to 60 mph continue to fuel the flames, making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult. Authorities have warned that the fire’s extreme behavior, including spotting over long distances, poses a significant threat to nearby communities.

In response to the growing threat, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to assist communities affected by the Palisades fire. He called on the residents to stay alert, take precautions, and follow emergency instructions.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for 15 zones in Los Angeles. Residents in 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 leave immediately for their safety.

Additionally, evacuation warnings have been announced for 19 other zones, advising residents to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

The affected warning zones include 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.

For evacuees, an evacuation center has been set up at the Westwood Recreation Center, located at 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90025. This shelter provides resources and temporary relief for residents displaced from their homes.

Additionally, several major roads in the area are closed due to the wildfire and evacuation efforts. These include 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 are strongly urged to avoid these areas and monitor updates from CHP-West Valley for the latest road closure information.

Firefighters from CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles City Fire Department are working tirelessly to contain the fire. Both ground crews and aerial resources are being used to slow its spread and protect homes, infrastructure, and lives.

As the Palisades fire continues to spread, authorities continue to urge residents to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels as the situation develops.