She is forced to evacuate her LA home as thick smoke fills her yard, leaving her terrified amid the ongoing wildfires.
Jessica Simpson, along with her family, has evacuated her $22 million Southern California home after a wildfire ignited in West Hills.
Smoke fills the backyard as Simpson prepares to leave
Simpson shared a disturbing photo on her Instagram Story, showing thick smoke filling her backyard. And, she captioned the photo, “We stayed as long as we could,” giving a glimpse into the urgency of their evacuation.
The wildfire, which has prompted mass evacuations, is just one of several fires currently ravaging Southern California.
The fire, which continues to spread rapidly, forced Simpson and her husband, Eric Johnson, to leave their home and seek safety. The couple shares three children: Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.
The Kenneth fire, burning in West Hills, has become a significant threat to nearby neighborhoods, including Calabasas and Hidden Hills.
As of Thursday, the fire has consumed over 960 acres. First responders have been stretched thin, as they battle this fire while also fighting multiple other wildfires in the region.
Arson investigation underway as suspect arrested
Authorities suspect the fire in West Hills was intentionally set.
A suspect was arrested in connection with the blaze, and LAPD Officer Charles Dinsel confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
The arrest has fueled fears among residents, including Hollywood A-listers, who worry their homes may have been targeted.
As the fires continue to burn, the scale of the destruction becomes clear.
The death toll has reached seven, and reports indicate that more than 10,000 structures have been destroyed.
The fast-moving fires have displaced tens of thousands of people across Southern California, with over 180,000 evacuees.
Evacuation orders and safety warnings intensify
Officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders as fires threaten more areas.
Senator Adam Schiff delivered a stark warning, saying, “If you stay, you’re going to die.” As the flames spread, residents face gridlocked roads as they try to flee their homes.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for areas near Malibu Canyon, including neighborhoods where celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian and Will Smith live.
According to report, the Kenneth fire started as a small 50-acre blaze but quickly spread, reaching 791 acres in just an hour.
By evening, it had consumed 960 acres. Authorities are still working to contain the flames, and residents have been advised to pack essential items in preparation for evacuation.
Despite the danger, officials are cautiously optimistic that progress is being made in containing the fire.
A heroic effort from first responders
Amid the devastation, firefighters and emergency responders have shown incredible bravery in tackling the blazes.
Their efforts continue to protect lives and properties as the fires rage across Southern California. Despite the toll the fires have taken, many first responders remain committed to the fight, putting their lives at risk to save others.
Although the immediate danger has subsided in some areas, the impact of the fires remains far-reaching. Furthermore, with thousands of structures lost and the death toll rising, the full scope of the disaster continues to unfold.
As a result, as cleanup and recovery efforts commence, communities across Southern California are now left to rebuild from the devastation.