Candace Cameron Bure and Chris Pratt Call for Prayers as L.A. Wildfires Rage On

Filmmaker and actress Candace Cameron Bure is requesting prayers for the Los Angeles region as firefighters battle deadly wildfires that have devastated the region and strained resources. At least five wildfires are actively burning through Los Angeles County, driven by hurricane-force winds that have combined with unseasonably dry conditions to turn the area into a tinderbox. The two largest wildfires, the Palisades fire, and the Eaton fire, have torched 17,234 and 10,600 acres, respectively, and are 0 percent contained, according to The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Three smaller fires, including the Hurst Fire -- which is 10 percent contained -- have burned less than 1,000 acres. The Lidia and Sunset fires are 40 percent contained and 0 percent contained, respectively. 

“Please pray for miraculous rain,” Bure wrote in an Instagram story.     

More than 2,000 homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed, and at least five people have died in the wildfires, the Los Angeles Times reported. More than 130,000 residents are under evacuation orders. The iconic Hollywood sign has not burned -- contrary to social media rumors -- although it is near the evacuation area. 

“What we saw here in the last 24 hours is unprecedented,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Wednesday, according to the Times. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Bure, a native Californian, is praying for divine intervention. Several thousand firefighters are battling the fires. 

“Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Sylmar, and Sepulveda pass are still burning. I woke up to the same flames,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “Our sweet Palisades is destroyed. So many memories. We are praying God pours rain down on Los Angeles. Thank you, firefighters and first responders, for everything you’re doing to keep people safe and fight these fires. You are true heroes. So many memories.”

A post shared by Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure)

L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the department lacked manpower to battle multiple blazes sufficiently. Water resources, too, are strained. 

Related Article: A Prayer for the California Wildfires

“We’re doing the very best we can,” he said. “But no, we don’t have enough fire personnel in L.A. County between all the departments to handle this.”

In another post, Bure wrote, “This is devastating to watch. Please pray the winds die down as it’s expected to get worse into the early morning hours. Please pray for the safety of firefighters and emergency crews who are fearlessly trying to tackle this disaster. Pray for the safety of every resident. I’m soooo sad.”

A post shared by Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure)

Actor Chris Pratt also called for prayers.

“Please send prayers and strength tonight to everyone in Los Angeles affected by these devastating fires,” he wrote on Instagram. “... Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and wildlife as they battle fast-moving wildfire fueled by fierce winds. You are true heroes, and we are endlessly grateful for your sacrifice and courage. Let’s all come together to support one another during this tough time.”

A post shared by Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt)

Related Article: 5 Dead and 200,000 without Power as California Fires Continue to Burn across Los Angeles

Photo Credit: ©Instagram/prattprattpratt

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Originally published January 09, 2025.