Reason why so many celebs live in Pacific Palisades as wildfire forces numerous A-listers out
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Eric Thayer/Getty Images
Over the last 24 hours, a 1,200 acre bushfire has broken out in Pacific Palisades and has since continued to spread across several Los Angeles neighbourhoods.
More than 30,000 people have been forced to evacuate the area, with the blaze devastating several regions in the space of just a few hours.
With so many people having to flee the danger zones, a number of famous families have been forced to abandon their homes.
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For example, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, who starred on The Hills, have had their home destroyed by the wildfire.
Both reality stars, as well as their two children, managed to safely escape.
Spencer's sister, Stephanie Pratt, wrote on Instagram: "I am beyond heartbroken for my brother, Heidi & the kids.
"And to all of our friends and neighbours who have lost their houses today.
"Just spoke to my dad - he tried to save my brother's house but the wind is so strong there was nothing he could do. Even the fire station in the palisades has burned down. The Pacific Palisades is completely on fire. No one is there."
According to reports, Ben Affleck also owns a home between Brentwood and Pacific Palisades, which he purchased for $20.5 million in July 2024.
And then there's Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, who own a $26 million, 1.5-acre mansion in the Pacific Palisades.
As the wildfires spread, it's feared more people will be impacted by the blaze, which at present is 'zero percent contained'.
California is, of course, a celebrity hotspot, with many Hollywood stars living and owning property in the state.
But what is it about Pacific Palisades that draws in so many A-listers?
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2012, lawyer and resident Michael Gendler, said one of the pulls of Palisades is its 'charm'.
Meanwhile, it's said to be a little more under the radar with fewer paparazzi.
“From a shopping perspective, we rarely have paparazzi — unlike on Robertson,” said boutique owner Elyse Walker.
“It’s very much under the radar.”
According to the publication, one of the appeals of the area was an 'abundance of post-World War II bungalows', which were ideal for tearing down and replacing with more expensive properties.
As the fires continue, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency amidst the roaring fires.
On Tuesday evening, he said: "This is a highly dangerous windstorm creating extreme fire risk, and we’re not out of the woods."