Steve Guttenberg Fights L.A. Wildfires Like a Hero

Actor Steve Guttenberg, widely recognized for his iconic role as Officer Mahoney in the beloved Police Academy series, is actively engaged in efforts to combat the devastating wildfires currently threatening Los Angeles. His commitment to the community exemplifies how public figures can step up in times of crisis.

Guttenberg, whose filmography includes blockbusters like Three Men and a Baby, Short Circuit, and Cocoon, was featured in a live news segment on Tuesday. During the broadcast, the reporter initially failed to identify him as he worked diligently to clear abandoned vehicles from the streets, allowing firefighters to access the flames raging through his Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

Read More: Hollywood Bowl Threatened by California Fires

In his interview with KTLA, Guttenberg highlighted a critical issue: “What’s happening is people take their keys with them as if they’re in a parking lot. This is not a parking lot. We really need people to move their cars,” he emphasized. He urged residents to leave their car keys inside vehicles when evacuating, enabling volunteers like him to relocate them swiftly. This small act can significantly aid the emergency response teams trying to navigate through the chaos.

In a recent July 2024 feature, which celebrated his role as Grand Marshall for the town’s Fourth of July parade, Guttenberg was fondly referred to as “one of the most beloved residents” of Pacific Palisades. Having resided in the area for 37 years, he remarked, “Every day in the Palisades is like a vacation.” He expressed his admiration for the community spirit, noting an atmosphere of enthusiasm and togetherness during local events, which has become a hallmark of life in this picturesque neighborhood.

As of Thursday morning, the New York Times reported that numerous wildfires across the Los Angeles area, exacerbated by recent drought conditions and the infamous Santa Ana winds, have burned over 27,000 acres and resulted in at least five fatalities. The scale of this disaster is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the region to such natural calamities.

Reflecting on the severity of the situation, Guttenberg told NBC News on Wednesday, “This is the worst fire I’ve ever seen in my life, and it’s terrible. The sky at one in the afternoon is dark, it looks like evening.” He passionately called for help, stating, “If you’re able-bodied, help people, help people in wheelchairs, small children, mothers that have anxiety and are in panic attacks. It’s really important to help people.” His words resonate as a rallying cry for community support during these tumultuous times.

With a hopeful outlook, Guttenberg praised the solidarity shown by neighbors amid these trying circumstances. “When all this is over and we go back to normal life, let’s try to keep this empathy, let’s try to keep this kindness and this thoughtfulness,” he encouraged. His vision for the future emphasizes unity, asserting, “We’re not one street or one town or one city, we’re one community,” a powerful reminder of the strength found in togetherness.