Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show on Monday, January 13, with an emotional opening monologue addressing the ongoing wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. The host spoke candidly about the terrifying and stressful week the city has faced, including his own evacuation and the impact on many of his colleagues.
Kimmel’s voice shook as he shared that the fire had come dangerously close to the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” studio, and many employees were forced to evacuate, with some losing their homes in the blaze. “It’s been terrible,” Kimmel said, describing the situation as “sickening, shocking, and awful.” He expressed gratitude for the community’s response, highlighting how those who lost their homes were still helping others in need.
The late-night host also took a pointed swipe at President-elect Donald Trump, criticizing his comments about the disaster and the firefighters risking their lives to combat the flames. Kimmel emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of firefighters, police, medical workers, and others on the front lines.
Kimmel ended his monologue by thanking those who helped during the crisis, including out-of-state firefighters and local media. He also shared a personal anecdote, revealing that at one point, he had “19 people and four dogs” seeking shelter with him during the evacuations.
