Ben Affleck was taken by surprise on Tuesday as he returned to his rented Pacific Palisades home, which is dangerously close to a massive wildfire that has already scorched over 1,200 acres in the area. The fire has prompted widespread evacuations and the cancellation of high-profile events.
Affleck, 52, was photographed driving toward his luxurious home dressed in a navy blue suit and unbuttoned white shirt, appearing visibly stunned as he rolled down his car window to take in the smoke-filled air. The blaze has devastated several homes in the area, including those of celebrities like Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, who were forced to evacuate with their children before their home was destroyed.
The wildfire has also disrupted Hollywood’s plans, including the premiere of Jennifer Lopez’s film Unstoppable, which Affleck co-produced with Matt Damon. Pacific Palisades, home to many celebrities like Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, and Adam Sandler, has been severely impacted. The affluent neighborhood’s sprawling estates, surrounded by vegetation, have fueled the flames. James Woods shared evacuation updates on social media, while actor Eugene Levy found himself stranded in traffic as residents evacuated.
The fire also threatened cultural landmarks, such as the Getty Villa. However, thanks to fire mitigation efforts, including cleared brush and sealed artwork, the museum’s main structures remained safe. Katherine E. Fleming, CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, confirmed that although some vegetation had burned, the staff and collections were unharmed.
Affleck’s $20.5 million home has served as his retreat since his separation from Jennifer Lopez. He had briefly resided in a Brentwood rental near his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their children, before settling in Pacific Palisades. The actor and Lopez previously shared a $60 million Beverly Hills estate, which remains on the market.
Meanwhile, a second wildfire in Altadena has forced evacuations in Pasadena, with dry and windy conditions making the crisis worse. The fires have put Los Angeles under a state of emergency, with residents and firefighters struggling to contain the devastation. Chris Pratt also urged support for those affected, posting, “Please send prayers and strength to everyone in Los Angeles impacted by these devastating fires.”
