Oprah Winfrey Battles The California Wildfires: A Closer Look

By Ridenour

19 Apr 2025


When Oprah Winfrey Met the California Wildfires

It’s not every day that a global icon like Oprah Winfrey finds herself caught in the middle of a natural disaster. But that's exactly what happened during the devastating California wildfires in December 2017. Oprah, who owns a home in the affected area, had to evacuate her beloved pets and staff when the flames approached her property. She shared the experience with her followers on Twitter, offering updates on the situation as it unfolded.

Oprah’s Heartfelt Updates on Social Media

On December 17, Oprah took to Twitter to share her experience with her fans. She revealed that she had evacuated her home ten days prior, emphasizing the severity of the situation. "Evacuated 10 days ago. Smoke was so bad for breathing. Dogs are in Palo Alto," she wrote, giving a glimpse into the challenges she faced. A day earlier, she posted another update, expressing her hopes for a positive outcome. "So far still standing. Praying for the Promised Land and everyone else’s land. Firefighters on the defense," she wrote, capturing the tension and uncertainty of the moment.

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  • Prayers for the Community

    Oprah’s thoughts weren’t just on her own safety but on the entire community affected by the wildfires. Throughout the weekend, she continued to post updates, praying for her "little town" and acknowledging the efforts of the firefighters. "Still praying for our little town. Winds picked up this morning creating a perfect storm of bad for firefighters," she wrote, emphasizing the challenges they faced. She also took a moment to express gratitude to the firefighters and their families, recognizing their tireless work. "God bless every firefighter and their families. Fighting three weeks straight. Still going. Imagine their exhaustion!" she tweeted, highlighting the dedication and resilience of these heroes.

    Ellen DeGeneres Joins the Fight

    Oprah wasn’t the only celebrity impacted by the wildfires. Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, also had to evacuate their home. "Our house is under threat of being burned. We just had to evacuate our pets. I’m praying for everyone in our community and thankful to all the incredible firefighters," Ellen tweeted on December 10. She praised the community spirit in Montecito, where residents were checking in on each other and helping to ensure everyone’s safety. "I’m proud to be a part of this community. I’m sending lots of love and gratitude to the fire department and sheriffs. Thank you all," she added, reinforcing the sense of solidarity during this challenging time.

    On December 17, Ellen provided another update, sharing her relief that their home was still standing. However, she also acknowledged the loss suffered by others. "Portia and I are watching KEYT.com and seeing all the devastation from the #ThomasFire. Our home is still standing, but so many homes have been lost. Firefighters continue to be my heroes," she tweeted, expressing her gratitude and concern for those affected.

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  • Actor Rob Lowe Weighs In

    Actor Rob Lowe also shared his experience with the wildfires. "Praying for my town. Fires closing in. Firefighters making brave stands. Could go either way. Packing to evacuate now," he tweeted, capturing the anxiety and uncertainty felt by many residents. His words highlighted the bravery of the firefighters and the unpredictable nature of the disaster.

    The Scale of the Thomas Fire

    The Thomas Fire, which began on December 4, 2017, quickly grew into one of the largest wildfires in California's history. By the time it was brought under control, it had burned through an astonishing 270,000 acres. According to CNN, the fire was expected to continue into January, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The impact on the community was immense, with countless homes lost and lives disrupted. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with all those affected by the wildfires, including Oprah and other residents who faced evacuation.

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