Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed on Tuesday that members of his family were among the thousands in Southern California forced to evacuate due to a rapidly spreading wildfire.
Redick lives in the Pacific Palisades area, which is home to numerous celebrities.
The fire, fueled by fierce winds, began sweeping through the hillsides of Los Angeles, burning homes and threatening entire neighborhoods.
Why It Matters
Evacuation orders were issued for around 30,000 residents, with over 13,000 structures reported to be at risk.
Although authorities have yet to confirm the number of homes destroyed, the scale of the damage is significant.
What to Know
The fire began around 10:30 a.m., shortly after a powerful Santa Ana windstorm took hold of the region.
The National Weather Service had warned that the storm, the strongest to hit Southern California in over a decade, could prove 'life-threatening' due to the combination of extreme winds and dry conditions.
Lakers Scheduled to Fly Home from Dallas
Despite the looming threat of smoke and hazardous air quality in Los Angeles, the Lakers' flight home from Dallas remained scheduled for the evening.
TNT's broadcast noted the potential for delays, but the team remained hopeful of keeping to its planned travel itinerary, even if alternate routes may be required due to smoke-filled skies.
Are the Wildfires Under Control?
As of late Tuesday, officials had not confirmed any injuries, but the danger was far from over.
Winds were forecast to intensify overnight, with gusts potentially exceeding 100 mph in mountain and foothill areas—regions that have seen little rain in recent months, making them particularly susceptible to fire.
What People Are Saying
Speaking before the Lakers' game against the Dallas Mavericks, which ended in a 118-97 loss, Redick shared a personal message for those affected.
He said: "I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now. That's where I live. Our family, my wife's family, her twin sister—they've evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my own family."
He added: "From the sound of things, with the winds coming tonight, I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe."
What Happens Next
Redick's message comes amid a rising tide of anxiety in Southern California, where wildfires have become an annual threat exacerbated by extreme weather patterns.
For now, many are left anxiously awaiting news as they grapple with the uncertainty of how the situation will unfold.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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