Miles Teller Shares Emotional Account of Evacuating During Palisades Fire

Miles Teller Shares Emotional Account of Evacuating During Palisades Fire

Miles Teller, the acclaimed star of “Top Gun: Maverick,” recently recounted the harrowing events leading up to his family’s evacuation amid the Palisades Fire. In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Teller opened up about the intense moments as he and his loved ones faced the approaching flames.

Evacuation Under Duress

During the interview, Teller described how his grandmother had moved to Southern California, a transition necessitated by the passing of his grandfather just weeks prior. On the morning of the evacuation, Teller and his wife, Keleigh, awoke to a concerning sight.

“We lived in the Palisades, and we were somewhat elevated. When we opened our bedroom curtains, we immediately spotted a small fire at our 12 o’clock position. At that point, it spanned only two acres,” he said. Keleigh, familiar with wildfire risks, began to express her anxiety as the situation escalated.

The Fire Approaches

Teller continued to narrate how they first noticed the fire was located about three miles away. He recalled Keleigh’s urgency, saying, “If that fire goes from 12 to three o’clock, we’re really in trouble, and we’ve got to move.” Having recently taken on the responsibility of caring for his grandmother, Teller felt an added weight during this frightening moment.

“I reassured her, saying, ‘Hey Mup,’ which is our nickname for her. I suggested she start preparing her paperwork and medications. We assumed we would have time, as we never thought the fire would reach us; the area was primarily residential with no surrounding brush,” Teller explained.

A Rapidly Changing Situation

As the situation developed, Teller noted the fire’s rapid progression. “Fire is inherently scary. Having grown up on the East Coast and dealing with hurricanes in Florida, I was used to advanced warnings. But with fires, it was different. We had only about 90 minutes from the time we saw the flames until a mandatory evacuation order was issued.”

Teller, alongside his wife, watched the eerie scenes unfold on television as residents began fleeing. “People were already running down the streets with their kids; the chaos was palpable,” he emphasized.

A Keepsake Saved

Amid the turmoil, Teller managed to grab a significant possession while evacuating—his grandfather’s watch. “One of the items I took with me was my grandfather’s watch,” he said, pointing it out as he spoke. This watch now symbolizes the memories and love he carries after losing his grandfather.

Giving Back and Moving Forward

At the LA FireAid Benefit Concert held on Thursday, Teller took a moment to express his gratitude for the first responders and the community. “My wife and I, like many others in Pacific Palisades, lost our home during the fire. My heart goes out to everyone affected in this city,” he stated, connecting with others facing similar struggles.

In a poignant moment on social media, Keleigh shared before-and-after images of their home, reflecting on the items they wished they had taken. She lamented leaving her wedding dress behind, emphasizing the emotional toll of the disaster. “If you’re in the LA area, PLEASE get out if you can. I regret not grabbing my wedding dress…” she shared, urging others to prioritize safety.

A Community Resilient

Teller was not alone at the concert. A neighbor also shared their personal story of the impact of the Palisades Fire. Many musicians and community members gathered with a shared goal: to raise funds for rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles.

The FireAid concert at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum aimed to support families and communities devastated by the fires that swept through Los Angeles. In times of distress, the resilience of the community shines brightly as individuals come together to aid those in need.