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Jennifer Garner opens up about feeling guilty as the Los Angeles wildfires continue to cause destruction.
The acclaimed actress, 52, spoke with MSNBC on Friday, January 10 in front of several burned-down homes in the Pacific Palisades, an area that has lost over 5,300 structures since the fires began, according to city officials. Garner, whose Brentwood home still stands, emotionally tells the media outlet that she had a friend who tragically didn't make it out in time.
"I did lose a friend and for our church, it's really tender," she said. "So I don't feel like I should talk about her yet. But yeah, I did lose a friend who did not get out in time."
Garner later stated that she's had hundreds of friends who lost everything in the fire, adding that it has left her filled with guilt and has motivated her to help out any way she can.
"My heart bleeds for my friends," Garner added. "I mean, I can think of 100 families, and there are 5,000 homes lost. I can, without even, I could just write out a list of 100 friends who lost their homes. I feel almost guilty walking through my house. What can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?"
Garner has lived in the Palisades neighborhood for 25 years, which included some time with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck. However, her home might not be in the clear yet. The fires shifted east on Friday night, triggering a new evacuation for Brentwood and Encino. L.A. County spokesman Jesus Ruiz told the Washington Post that there was "definite concern" as the fire moved toward the heavily populated areas.
The Palisades fire, which ignited on Tuesday, January 7, has scorched over 21,000 acres, making it the deadliest wildfire in Los Angeles' history. As of Saturday morning, the fire has claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents this week.
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