Mandy Moore and her family were among the countless souls compelled to flee their abode late on Tuesday evening, as the devastating Eaton Fire unleashed its fury upon the Pasadena and Altadena neighborhoods. "Safely evacuated with my children, dog, and cats," she penned on her Instagram Stories, a testament to their narrow escape.
The actress renowned for her role in "This Is Us," alongside her musician husband Taylor Goldsmith and their trio of cherished children, sought sanctuary in the home of a kind-hearted friend. Moore confessed to her followers that she had struggled to shield her young ones from the profound sorrow and anxiety that weighed heavily on her heart.
"My prayers extend to every soul in our beloved city," she continued in another poignant Instagram post. "My heart aches for the devastation and loss." Amidst the chaos, Moore remained uncertain about the fate of her own home.
Hours ticked by, and Moore shared harrowing videos depicting the extensive damage wrought in Altadena. "I cherish you, Altadena," she emotionally wrote. "I am immensely grateful that my family and pets were able to evacuate in time, before it was too late. I am endlessly thankful to our friends who welcomed us into their home and provided us with essentials. Truthfully, I am in a state of disbelief and numbness, overwhelmed by the losses suffered by so many, including my own family."
"My children's school, our favorite dining spots—they are all gone," she lamented. "Countless friends and loved ones have lost everything. Our community stands shattered, but we will rally together to rebuild. My heart goes out to all those affected and to the brave souls on the front lines battling to contain this crisis."
Moore joins a roster of celebrities who have been evacuated amidst the infernos scorching parts of Southern California. In Pacific Palisades, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Hamill, and others were similarly compelled to abandon their homes. Tragically, the residence of "The Hills" reality stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag was consumed by the flames.
The Eaton Fire first erupted on Tuesday night near the intersection of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, fueled by the fierce Santa Ana winds that swept through the region. By Wednesday afternoon, it had grown to an alarming size of over 10,600 acres. Authorities confirmed that five lives had been lost in the devastating blaze.
