According to Jennifer Garner, she lost a buddy to the destructive flames that are now tearing through Southern California.
According to reports, the number of fatalities has already reached 25, and further devastation is expected in the days ahead due to stronger winds. A total of 60 square miles have been destroyed by the fires that have frightened Los Angeles in recent days, and the return of Santa Ana winds is expected to create circumstances that will only fuel the fires.
It goes without saying that countless have lost their homes, means of support, possessions, pets, and hope. Tragically, some have suffered greater losses.
Along with a well-known chef, the Elektra star is one of the numerous celebrities who have volunteered to support the relief effort by helping affected towns.
“I did lose a friend who did not get out in time,” Garner, 52, said in an interview. “It’s just — my heart bleeds for my friends. I mean, I can think of 100 families, and there are 5,000 homes lost.”
She continued: “I feel almost guilty walking through my house. Just, you know, what can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?”
Speaking on her loss, Garner finished: “I’m looking at the chimney of somebody that I loved. […] It’s awful — kind of unimaginable.”
In order to assist the communities impacted by the fires, Garner reportedly partnered with Chef José Andrés and his group, World Central Kitchen.
“I took advantage of a little bit of celebrity privilege and called Chef and said, ‘Please, can I come with you?’” Garner explained.
As previously said, there are currently 25 people dead as a result of the wildfires, but that number is regrettably predicted to increase. Later this week, the LA area is expected to experience strong gusts, and the National Weather Service has issued a warning of a “particularly dangerous situation.”
Just 14% of the Palisades fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres, has been contained as of Monday morning. Thirty-three percent of the Eaton fire, which has burned over 14,000 acres near Altadena and Pasadena, has been contained.