The relentless wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands and impacting lives across the region. Among those affected are actor and poker enthusiast James Woods, and actress-poker player Jennifer Tilly, both prominent figures within the poker community.
Woods, known for his annual participation in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and frequent appearances in mixed games at Commerce Casino, shared his harrowing experience in an emotional interview with CNN. The blaze destroyed his home in the Pacific Palisades, a community he described as “almost like an old-fashioned neighborhood,” where residents maintain close ties and look out for one another.
Speaking through tears, the 77-year-old actor recounted how the fire erupted near his family’s residence. “We were at the exact epicenter of the fire as it started,” he said. Evacuation orders were issued for the area, prompting Woods and his neighbors to flee for safety. He used the platform to urge others to heed evacuation warnings, emphasizing the dangers of staying behind.
“It’s so important for people to evacuate when they’re told to,” Woods implored. “You’re not going to stop flames 80 feet high in 90-mile-per-hour winds with a garden hose. All you’ll do is hinder the heroic firefighters risking their lives.”
The Pacific Palisades fire, one of several blazes raging across Southern California, remains uncontained and has consumed over 16,000 acres. Tragically, at least five lives have been lost, according to CBS News, while thousands more face the devastation of displacement. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as resources are mobilized to combat the disaster.
Jennifer Tilly, another well-known figure in both Hollywood and the poker world, shared her own experience of the unfolding catastrophe. Tilly, a regular on High Stakes Poker and an accomplished actress, revealed on Instagram that she and her partner, fellow poker pro Phil Laak, evacuated their home and temporarily relocated to the Commerce Casino.
The Pacific Palisades, a picturesque area nestled within the heart of the fires, holds a special place in Tilly’s heart. Reflecting on the destruction, she called it a “really beautiful area that never lost its small-town feeling.” She continued, “It’s tragic to see it decimated like this.”
The wildfires have forced the evacuation of over 70,000 residents across Los Angeles County, according to the Associated Press. Among the hardest-hit areas are Santa Monica, Altadena, and Pasadena. Additionally, power outages have affected more than 1.5 million residents, further complicating recovery efforts.
For the poker community, the tragedies of Woods and Tilly serve as a poignant reminder of the human toll these disasters exact. As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blazes, the resilience and solidarity of those impacted shine through. The poker world, known for its tight-knit nature, has already begun rallying to support those in need.