Actress Jennifer Garner shared her emotional struggle with survivor's guilt as devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles communities, including her long-time neighborhood of Pacific Palisades.
In a heartfelt interview with MSNBC's Katy Tur on Friday, Garner revealed she lost a close friend who "did not get out in time" from the destructive Palisades Fire, which has burned over 21,000 acres and is only 11% contained.
"I feel almost guilty walking through my house," Garner said during the live broadcast. "What can I do? How can I help? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?"
The actress, who has lived in or around Pacific Palisades for 25 years, spoke about the profound impact on her community, including the loss of her family's Methodist church where her children attended Sunday school. "We lit the advent candle there a couple of weeks ago," she recalled emotionally, describing the church as "a gathering point for our entire community."
The wildfires have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed over 5,000 homes. Garner emphasized the personal nature of the tragedy, stating she could easily list 100 friends who lost their homes. "This is not some far away place that you cannot reach," she stressed, noting that affected areas included streets where she regularly runs and participates in community events.
Garner spoke while volunteering with Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen, which is providing relief to those affected by the crisis. Her ex-husband Ben Affleck has also been actively involved in the community response, helping their family and neighbors evacuate as the fires spread.
The Palisades Fire continues to threaten neighborhoods, forcing further evacuations as it surges toward Brentwood and Encino areas, marking it as the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.