Actor James Woods became emotional during a live CNN interview as he described being forced to leave his home while a massive wildfire swept through Los Angeles neighborhoods.
“I’m 77 years old. I can’t walk up the hill—it’s too steep,” Woods said, his voice breaking before he was overcome with tears.
The devastating Palisades Fire has spread rapidly, burning nearly 5,000 acres with no containment reported. More than 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes as firefighters battle the flames.
Tragedy struck in other areas as well. The Eaton Fire, raging through Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre, claimed two lives and caused significant injuries. Among the injured is a 25-year-old female firefighter and several burn victims, according to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) spokesperson Erik Scott.
Thousands of residents have fled, and over 300,000 households are without power as strong Santa Ana winds, reaching up to 60 mph, threaten to intensify the fires. Officials fear the high winds will spread the flames further through Thursday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed over 1,400 firefighters to assist in the fight against the blazes, and President Joe Biden has assured that federal aid is available to help Los Angeles.
The wildfires have also impacted some of Hollywood’s most famous neighborhoods, forcing several celebrities to evacuate. Woods’ emotional account highlights the toll the disaster is taking on those caught in its path.
Watch a clip below:
James Woods breaks down in tears on CNN pic.twitter.com/Hw1nxQkBTu
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 8, 2025
