Jay Leno Feeds Firefighters Amid Pacific Palisades Blaze
Jay Leno is supporting the first responders battling the devastating Los Angeles wildfires with hot meals.
On Monday night, Leno joined the relief efforts, serving up freshly cooked food instead of the standard boxed lunches typically provided to firefighters. “We’re cooking for the crew, and you guys if you’re hungry,” Leno told CNN’s Anderson Cooper during a live broadcast. “We got a big barbecue going.”
Rolling In Style
Never one to shy away from a little showmanship, Leno arrived at the scene in a bright red 1941 American LaFrance fire truck, instantly adding a bit of vintage flair to the somber setting. “It’s good to have your own fire truck if you live in L.A.,” he quipped.
The comedian shared that his barbecue tour began a day earlier at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, where he and his team served meals to evacuees and first responders. Leno was seen flipping burgers and cracking jokes, bringing some unexpected lightheartedness to an otherwise grim situation.
Widespread Destruction
The Palisades Fire, which broke out on January 7, has wreaked havoc on the Los Angeles area, claiming the lives of at least 24 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Leno reflected on the staggering damage during his conversation with Cooper, comparing its impact to the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“Not that 9/11 was a natural disaster, but it’s literally on that scale,” Leno said. “It’s 10,000 buildings. If you drove all day, you couldn’t see 10,000 buildings. You get on that hill and you look for miles, and there’s nothing.”
Despite the tragedy, Leno noted the resilience and sense of unity that emerged. “It’s a shame it has to come to that,” he said. “The last time I remember this happening was 9/11. We all got together and for three or four days, everybody put aside their political beliefs and who’s on your lawn on a sign, and all that nonsense. It’s happening here today.”
Firefighters Applaud Leno’s Generosity
Fire Captain of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Eric Scott, took to X to thank Leno for his efforts. Sharing a video of the comedian serving meals, Scott praised Leno’s “kindness” and highlighted the crucial role of community support during such challenging times.
Leno’s meals were a morale booster for the firefighters, but the comedian was quick to shift focus back to the task at hand. He expressed empathy for the residents of Pacific Palisades, a community now facing years of rebuilding. “The entire city is wiped out,” he said. “It doesn’t exist and probably won’t exist for the next five, six years.”
Although the challenges ahead are daunting, Leno remained optimistic. “We’ll get through it. We always do,” he affirmed.
Jay Leno’s touching gesture is a timely reminder that a little kindness and a few hot meals can go a long way, even when facing overwhelming challenges.
