As Southern California grapples with the devastation caused by wildfires, actress Mandy Moore has become an outspoken advocate for her family and her community, both of which have been deeply affected by the destruction. The Eaton Fire, one of several blazes ravaging the Los Angeles area, claimed at least seven lives and destroyed thousands of homes, including that of Moore's in-laws.
In an emotional series of Instagram posts, Moore shared that her brother-in-law, Griff, and his wife, Kit, lost their home and all their belongings just weeks before the arrival of their first child. The This Is Us actress also revealed that the fire had destroyed significant parts of her own property in Altadena.
"Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff & Kit lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire," Moore wrote on January 9. "With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever."
Moore directed her followers to a GoFundMe campaign started by a family friend to help Griff and Kit rebuild their lives. However, she quickly found herself on the defensive after critics questioned whether she and her husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith, were providing financial support to their relatives.
"People questioning whether we're helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," Moore wrote in an updated caption. "Of course we are. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything."
Moore's frustration comes as she, too, copes with her own losses. Earlier in the week, she shared that while the main structure of her home remained standing, it was no longer livable. "We lost Taylor and Griffin's studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they've ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything," she wrote.
Her heartfelt posts also captured the scale of the devastation in Altadena. "My children's school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too," Moore said.
Despite the personal toll, Moore has remained focused on helping others. Alongside sharing fundraising resources, she expressed gratitude for the friends who took in her family and offered essential supplies during the evacuation.
"We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support," she wrote. "Altadena strong."
The Eaton Fire has burned nearly 14,000 acres and destroyed more than 7,000 structures. It is part of a broader crisis that has seen several wildfires-including the Palisades, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia fires-ravage over 27,000 acres in the region. Officials reported that containment efforts have made progress, but many areas remain under threat.
Pasadena and Altadena residents, including Moore, have praised first responders for their tireless work battling the fires. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said the growth of the Eaton Fire has been "significantly stopped," but noted that challenges remain as crews continue to stabilize the region.
Moore's advocacy extends beyond her family. Her posts highlight organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Airbnb, and Baby2Baby, which are offering resources for those displaced by the fires. She also acknowledged the long road ahead for rebuilding her neighborhood and supporting affected families.
Amidst the criticism and heartbreak, Moore's resilience has inspired others. "Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together," she said. "Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control."
