Steve Kerr’s 90-year-old mother is among thousands who have lost their homes as fierce wildfires sweep through the Los Angeles area.

“My mom is in good hands, but her house is gone,” said Kerr, the coach of the Golden State Warriors, in a statement before the game against the Detroit Pistons. “I’ve been on the phone with my siblings quite a bit.”

His mother, Ann Kerr, evacuated her home in Pacific Palisades following the evacuation orders earlier this week.

“That’s my hometown,” Kerr remarked, noting that many of his childhood friends also lost their family homes. “The town looks like it’s just been completely wiped out. It’s surreal and devastating.”

Despite the heartbreak, he noted, “Fortunately, almost everyone escaped. But it’s hard to even fathom how Pacific Palisades rebuilds and how it becomes a thriving community again. It’s just shocking.”

Pacific Palisades is approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of downtown Los Angeles, nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains and stretching down to the Pacific Ocean.

Fast-moving flames have destroyed homes and businesses, with nearly 180,000 residents fleeing the smoke-filled canyons of these picturesque neighborhoods, many of which are home to celebrities.

The fires started earlier in the week and are still uncontained as powerful Santa Ana winds fuel their spread. At least five individuals have died, and thousands of structures have suffered damage or destruction.