The Kardashian-Jenner family has been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires continue to ravage areas of Los Angeles, including their luxury neighborhoods of Hidden Hills and Calabasas. On Thursday night, January 9, Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, alongside Kendall, Kylie, and their mother Kris Jenner, adhered to the mandatory evacuation order issued due to the erupting Kenneth Fire, which rapidly spread over 1,000 acres within mere hours.
Sources confirmed to TMZ on Friday, January 10, 2023, the reality TV stars evacuated their homes, leaving their possessions behind as they sought safety from the advancing fire. Fortunately for them, the evacuation order was lifted shortly thereafter, as officials reported on Friday morning the Kenneth Fire was nearing 35 percent containment.
Though details remain scarce about their exact whereabouts during the evacuation, what stands out is the Kardashian family's compassionate response to the crisis. Without wasting time, they partnered with Carousel Restaurant, known for its Lebanese-Armenian cuisine, to donate meals to several fire stations across the Los Angeles area.
Khloé Kardashian took to Instagram to announce their plans, posting, “My family and I wanted to feed a few fire houses today and we couldn’t think of a more fitting restaurant than @carouselrestaurant, our favorite Armenian restaurant! They whipped up hundreds of individual meals for so many firefighters, volunteers, first responders, and we could not be more thankful!” The restaurant expressed gratitude for the Kardashian family's generosity, emphasizing their dedication to supporting those on the frontlines.
Yet, even as the Kardashians extended their help, they found themselves at the center of online scrutiny. Earlier this week, Kim faced backlash for promoting her SKIMS winter sale on Instagram amid the chaos of the fires. Critics deemed her posts inappropriate, especially as many of her peers were promoting relief efforts and resources for those affected by the devastating wildfires.
While many condemned Kim for what they perceived as tone-deaf marketing, others defended her, citing past instances when she quietly contributed to firefighting efforts, such as financing additional fire crews during earlier fire crises. Carousel Restaurant later confirmed their donations funded meals valued at over $2,500, continuing to highlight the dual narrative of the Kardashians being both celebrated and criticized for their acts of kindness.
Evacuation orders spread through much of the region as wildfires prompted concerns for several celebrities. Along with the Kardashian family, stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Jhené Aiko also left their residences, as wildfires posed threats to countless homes. Tragically, several friends of Kim, including Paris Hilton, lost their Malibu homes to the flames, highlighting the fire’s devastating impact. Paris, who watched her residence burn during live footage broadcasted on social media, stood as one of many Hollywood figures affected by this catastrophe.
Khloé Kardashian expressed anger over the situation after authorities apprehended a man suspected of arson as the potential cause behind the Kenneth Fire. Khloé vented her frustrations on social media, stating, “You are sick, I wish you all the consequences! What is wrong with people?! Arson! Punish them at all costs!”
The gravity of the situation was not lost on her siblings either, with Kourtney requesting prayers for protection and peace during this distressing time. The Kardashian siblings remain resolute about supporting first responders combatting the blazes.
By Friday morning, reports confirmed Kim’s Malibu house, valued at around $70 million, avoided damage from the ferocious fires, though the couple's close friends did not share the same fortune. Notable celebrities whose homes were severely affected include actors Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Billy Crystal, and Anna Faris, to name just a few, underscoring the widespread devastation and chaos across Los Angeles.
Despite facing challenges during the evacuation process, the Kardashians continue to dedicate efforts to helping others through charitable donations and attention to the firefighters and volunteers combating the fires. They explore connections with local businesses to stabilize their community even as they face their uncertain homecoming.
Meanwhile, the wildfire situation continues to evolve, and as of Friday, January 10, 2023, the Kenneth Fire remains at 35% containment. Across the Los Angeles County, residents and officials alike are awaiting updates as fire crews wield their resources to gain control. With many families and individuals having lost their homes, the urgency and pressure to overcome this crisis resonate painfully throughout the community.
With the Kardashians back at their homes, there's still much to be done. They’ve not only re-emphasized the importance of family—supporting one another, rallying to assist first responders—but also sparked discussions about social media accountability during natural disasters, forcing celebrities and followers alike to reflect on their roles during times of distress.
While the fire's immediate threat may dwindle, the aftermath of the devastation left behind serves as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability and the urgency to band together as communities reel from loss and grief.