Tori Spelling details scary last moment 'panic' escape from LA wildfires with her 5 children and pets

Tori Spelling detailed the chaotic escape where she had to pack her family and pets into a single vehicle without a clear destination
UPDATED JAN 12, 2025
Tori Spelling recalled a harrowing escape from the Los Angeles wildfires with her five children and pets (Getty Images)
Tori Spelling recalled a harrowing escape from the Los Angeles wildfires with her five children and pets (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tori Spelling, 51, best known for her role in 'Beverly Hills, 90210', shared her terrifying experience of fleeing the Los Angeles wildfires with her five children and pets.

The fires forced the family to evacuate their rental home in Woodland Hills as the flames threatened their safety.

She admitted avoiding addressing the wildfires on social media initially but, after the harrowing escape, she decided to share her story to highlight the devastation and the importance of quick action in such situations.

Tori Spelling says 'my heart is with everyone' who has suffered 

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Tori Spelling revealed the challenges of leaving her home behind with her five children—Liam, 17, Stella, 16, Hattie, 13, Finn, 12, and Beau, seven—and their pets, Page Six noted. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TORI SPELLING (@torispelling)


 

"The post I didn’t want to have to do… days of watching destruction and monitoring and living in fear,” she wrote.

Spelling explained that social media was already flooded with stories of loss and help, making her hesitant to add to the noise.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TORI SPELLING (@torispelling)


 

"But, last night we were evacuated,” she continued, adding “I tried my best to hang in there and not just flee to flee but we had to finally. My hearts are w/everyone who have lost and suffered so much. But, as a mama bear w/5 kiddos & fur babies, your gut tells you when it’s time to take action.”

Tori Spelling opens up on importance of listening to the warnings amid wildfires 

The actress admitted that her friends had warned her for days to prepare for evacuation, an advice she wished she had followed sooner.

“And, all the amazing apps and lives that have been keeping us updated. In a SUV me and five kids, three large dogs, one cat, and a ferret left unplanned. Friends who care, told me for days to pack and have a plan. I should have listened,” she wrote.

(FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tori Spelling attends the 2023 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One at The Kia Forum on January 14, 2023 in Inglewood, California.
Tori Spelling attends the 2023 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One at The Kia Forum on January 14, 2023, in Inglewood, California (Getty Images)

Spelling detailed the chaotic escape where she had to pack her family and pets into a single vehicle without a clear destination. Thankfully, a friend she had recently met, Jami Schwartz, helped her find shelter through Airbnb.

“I fit us all in barely. No clothes. But grabbed photo albums. And fled. In a non-planned panic, I reached out to my friend I made recently - Jami Schwartz," Spelling detailed.

"She had mentioned at Iheart jingle ball in December she works with @airbnb. I knew it was a long shot but as I just drove my kids onto the 101 N with no plan she responded! @airbnb saved us," she added.

Tori Spelling recalls 'literally' driving through and past wildfires

During the evacuation, Tori Spelling said her children questioned her decision as they appeared to be driving straight into the fire.

“My kids said ‘Mom. You sure we should go this way? Freeway is standstill other direction. We are headed right into the fires,’” she wrote.

"Indeed we were. Mother instinct took over and I pressed on north on 101. As we drove literally thru it and smoke coming thru car vents," Spelling detailed the daring escape. 

Tori Spelling attends the premiere of Freeform's
Tori Spelling attends the premiere of Freeform's 'Cruel Summer' Season 2 at Grace E Simons Lodge on May 31, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)

"I told my children to take a deep breath and hold and put T-shirts over their noses and mouths," she shared.

"I said then, ‘This is scary but hopeful. We will drive thru it and past. It will be ok. I promise you all.’ We pressed on. Leaving behind a burning LA. Indeed we were ok. We are some of the lucky ones. It looked and felt like a movie I’d seen too many times," the 'Scary Movie' star said. 

The family finally found refuge at an Airbnb location arranged by Taylor Gandy who stayed in touch throughout their journey.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by TORI SPELLING (@torispelling)


 

"Taylor and amazing owners of our current #airbnb connected. We are safe. Woke up to koi pond & a monarch butterfly sanctuary. Thanks Dad! #synchronicity,” Spelling concluded, attributing their safety to her late father, Aaron Spelling, for guiding them.

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