Amid the devastating wildfires tearing through Los Angeles, actress Jamie Lee Curtis found herself personally affected by the disaster that has left thousands of residents reeling. The fires, which have destroyed homes and upended lives, reached Curtis’s neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, forcing her to confront the deep emotional toll of the catastrophe.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 8, Curtis fought back tears as she discussed the fires ravaging her community. Although she was on the show to promote her film The Last Showgirl, the conversation quickly shifted to the harrowing fires approaching her home. “I’m literally just about to cry,” Curtis admitted, overwhelmed by the situation, as the audience’s applause attempted to offer comfort. “As you know, where I live is on fire right now,” she continued, visibly shaken. She recalled the moment she first learned of the disaster, explaining how she received text messages while on a plane. “It’s just a catastrophe in Southern California,” she said. Curtis also shared that, though her own home was spared, many of her friends and neighbors weren’t as fortunate. The destruction included familiar landmarks—the markets she frequented, the schools her children attended, and the homes of those she had known for years.

In an emotional plea, Curtis urged those watching to support relief organizations like the American Red Cross. “Do anything you can,” she emphasized, calling for donations, blood drives, and community support. As a longtime ambassador for the Red Cross, Curtis also stressed the importance of emergency preparedness, encouraging viewers to keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials like medications, food, and personal items. “You never know when you’ll need it,” she warned.

The fires have claimed at least five lives, destroyed over 2,000 buildings, and displaced countless families. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to combat the flames, but the fire continues to spread due to dry, windy conditions. Amid these dire circumstances, Curtis’s personal connection to the tragedy brings the human cost of the disaster into sharp focus.

In a poignant Instagram post, Curtis shared an image of a beloved church in her neighborhood that was destroyed in the fires. The church held special significance for Curtis, as it was the place where she achieved sobriety 25 years ago. “I think of all of the souls who came there for comfort and solace,” she wrote, reflecting on the church’s history and its role in helping others reclaim their lives.

Although Curtis remains determined to be with her family and friends during this crisis, she also pointed out the broader sense of community that emerges during such times of crisis. “I am going home tomorrow to be with my family and try to help my friends,” she said, a sentiment that highlights the importance of solidarity in moments of loss.

The aftermath of the fires will be a long road to recovery, but efforts are already underway to rebuild. Curtis’s emotional appeal serves as a reminder of the need for compassion, solidarity, and proactive support for those impacted by the fires. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every bit of help can make a difference.

Curtis’s heartfelt message reminds us all that while the headlines focus on statistics and destruction, the true story lies in the lives changed forever. As communities come together to heal, Curtis’s call for action reflects the unbreakable human spirit that persists even in the face of devastating loss.