AceShowbiz - On Thursday morning, January 9, a local ABC 7 news crew covering the raging Pacific Palisades fires was in for a surprise when a masked man approached them, offering help in reporting on the disaster. Little did they know, this seemingly random local was none other than Emmy-winning actor and comedian, Bill Hader.

Reporter Josh Haskell broke the story in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), detailing the extraordinary encounter. "An only in LA moment on Thursday at road block for #PalisadesFire," Haskell wrote, alongside a photo of Hader giving a peace sign while wearing a face mask.

"Resident trying to gain access came up to news van as if he was part of our team, wanted to help cover, ride with us. Then, he pulled down his mask, smiled and it was Bill Hader! Couldn't have been nicer!"

Fortunately for Hader, his $4.2M contemporary-style home was spared by the blaze, despite being surrounded by destruction. "Saturday Night Live" alum's house was almost entirely unscathed, save for some singed bushes and trees. Sadly, many of his neighbors weren't as lucky, with every other house on his street being reduced to rubble.

Hader, one of many celebrities who faced evacuation, was able to return home briefly to assess the damage. His neighbor's home also remained standing, a rare sight amidst the widespread devastation.

The fires, which began on Tuesday, January 7, have claimed at least 11 lives and left tens of thousands displaced across multiple hotspots in Los Angeles, including the Pacifies, Eaton, and Kenneth fires.

In addition to Hader, celebrities like Tom Hanks also found their properties miraculously untouched among the ruins. Sadly, others weren't as fortunate. Billy Crystal shared with PEOPLE how he and his wife Janice lost their longtime home in the fires.

"Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing," he said. "We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy."

Despite the tragedy, Crystal believes in the resilience of the Pacific Palisades community. "It is our home," he concluded optimistically.

The fires have disrupted a growing list of events and business activities, making this one of the most destructive firestorms in the city's history. The road to recovery will be long, but with stories of community strength and unexpected moments of goodwill, like that with Bill Hader, there's a glimmer of hope amidst the smoke.