Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, and more stars' homes threatened by blazing fire as residents trapped

Celebrity hotspot Pacific Palisades went up in flames amid a growing California wildfire.

An evacuation order was put into effect as Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement: "The Palisades Fire is burning near Palisades Drive. Those nearby should get set for a potential wildfire evacuation by gathering supplies and loved ones."

While official burn and damage reports have yet to be released, celebrities such as Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson notoriously live in the area. Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, Steve Guttenberg, and Michael Keaton are among the A-listers who call the neighborhood home.

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Residents claimed online that they are trapped, but no word yet from the big stars. "We are trapped on Palisades DriveFire road is engulfed in flames. @LAFD you need to close the fire road NOW before it's too late for someone. STAY IN YOUR HOMES if you live in the Pacific Palisades Highlands," one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The fire was spread through rapid 55mph winds which were a "near worst case scenario" for residents, according to meteorologist Paul Deano. In fact, the flames are so threatening that President Joe Biden was forced to cancel his trip to the Eastern Coachella Valley in California.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck previously purchased $64 million property in the area. The Cape Cod-style mansion, though, will cease to be filled with the lovely couple's joy as the pair began the divorce process. JLo and Ben made improvements to the property over the past few years and its future ownership is currently up in the air.

Close friend of Ben, Matt Damon, also snatched up property in the area. His 13,500 square foot mansion was secured in late 2021 as he shelled out $18 million.

According to luxury real estate agent James Respondek, "A-listers find refuge behind closed gates and guarded communities. His website adds: "It offers the finest luxury homes in Southern California. Discerning buyers can choose from a selection of architecturally significant homes and custom-built properties. These canyonside homes often command views of the ocean and city skyline. From historic Mediterranean and Spanish Revival-style homes to Modern mansions on massive lots, Pacific Palisades spares no expense when it comes to design, craftsmanship, lot size, and premium materials.

"It comes as no surprise that celebrities are drawn to this corner of the Westside. Those who know the value of architecture, provenance, location, and understated elegance are willing to pay a premium for a home in Pacific Palisades."