Viewers Slam Reporter for Interviewing Dennis Quaid While He Tries to Evacuate Amid LA Fires – Video

Netizens are up in arms over a reporter interviewing Dennis Quaid amid the severe California wildfires, which have claimed several lives according to newly surfaced reports covering the blazes.

On January 11, 2025, NBC News shared footage of an interview that Hollywood star Dennis Quaid conducted with KNBC reporter Robert Kovacik while evacuating his Brentwood home and packing his daughter's belongings. While many social media users are slamming Kovacik for disrupting the actor's evacuation process, others praised Quaid's patience during the interview.

In the video that quickly sparked debate online, Quaid's voice carried a calm but somber tone as he reflected on the unexpected chaos caused by the wildfires. "Who would have thought? [...] We've all had a really big lesson [...] Our experience of reality can change in a moment," marveled the actor.

As "The Parent Trap" talent continued with his reflections, the footage also showed him carefully packing items into his vehicle. During another moment, Quaid described the tense days leading up to his evacuation, which included shutting off his gas and helping out his neighbors.

He recalled waking up on Tuesday to a massive plume of smoke, followed by flames creeping dangerously close to his home the next day. "It came within 150 yards of the house," recounted Quaid.

The industry heavy hitter also praised the swift actions of first responders, including firefighters and helicopter pilots, who have been doing their best to contain the fires. "I can't say enough about the firefighters and the first responders in this town. We've had it lucky," disclosed Quaid.

He then shared heartbreaking stories about friends who weren't as fortunate. "My agent, he lost both of his houses," said Quaid with a heavy pause.

"Another good friend over at the Palisades, he just moved into a house and he was renting the other one, he lost both of them," recounted the actor, whose voice slightly wavered as he reflected on the growing devastation.

He continued, "We're fighting as hard as we can to save our city. Gosh, I'd never thought I'd say that." While Quaid's measured response earned him praise for remaining grounded amid the crisis, many viewers couldn't overlook the circumstances of the interview itself.

The sight of Quaid calmly speaking as he evacuated his home left a bitter taste for some, who believed the moment should have been left uninterrupted.

"Not them interviewing Dennis Quaid while he frantically tries to pack his belongings to evacuate 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭," noted one user, attaching a snapshot from the news clip that showed Quaid loading his car as Kovacik stood nearby, microphone in hand.

Other commenters echoed the frustration, expressing disbelief over the timing of the interview. "It's like dude, he does not have time to talk. Every second you waste is something he can't take with him," wrote one netizen, while another opined, "And the reporter needs some boundaries."

Some netizens were harsher with their critiques, directly calling out NBC and its coverage. "@NBCLA you guys are disgusting. The way you harassed Dennis Quaid is shameful. The man was evacuating his home and you laugh and make jokes like it's entertainment. Absolutely disgusting!" chastised an angered user.

"They are below dirt as far as I'm concerned. Paparazzi's [sic] and news reporters thrive on these tragedies," stated another vehement spectator.

A fellow observer commented on the lighthearted banter seen in another clip that showed Kovacik poking fun at how Quaid was evacuating, writing, "I think the fact that Dennis Quaid was so patient with this reporter in such a high-stress situation says a lot about the man's character. Genuinely, good on him."

"I'm embarrassed for the guy interviewing Dennis Quaid on the news. He's trying to evacuate just like everyone else and you're trying to make him your BFF," added someone else.

One viewer took a more nuanced stance, noting both the awkwardness of the interview and Quaid's admirable behavior throughout.

"this [sic] interview was an odd mix of bizarre, comical, touching, and somewhat uncomfortable… but what I learned from it is that Dennis Quaid seems like a very nice fella," the X user expressed.

Despite differing perspectives, the consensus among many was that Kovacik's actions crossed a line. "He should have been helping him pack not interviewing him," asserted one person, and another criticized, "Disgusting — I saw a reporter doing the same thing while people were fleeing and when someone was returning."

While social media continued to debate over Quaid's interview, the grim reality of the wildfires raged on. New reports provide a sobering update on the devastation left in their wake, underscoring the seriousness of the situation that Quaid and thousands of others are facing.

According to an update from the LA County medical examiner, the death toll from the wildfires rose to 24 casualties as of Sunday (January 12, 2025), with at least 16 individuals still reported missing.

Tragically, 16 of the deceased were found in the Eaton Fire zone, while eight more were discovered in the Palisades area.

Three major fires continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with officials working tirelessly to contain them. The Palisades Fire, which has now become the largest of the active wildfires, has scorched through more than 23,000 acres of land with a containment level of 13%.

The Eaton Fire, the second-largest blaze, has torn through just over 14,000 acres, with 27% containment reported.

Meanwhile, the smaller Hurst Fire, covering 799 acres, is nearly under control, with containment levels approaching completion (89%).

Despite the monumental efforts of first responders, the wildfires continue to threaten communities, forcing evacuations and leaving residents like Dennis Quaid uncertain about what they'll return to once the smoke clears.

As residents recover from the devastating impact of the California wildfires, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has been providing live updates on its website to keep the public informed. Their latest figures paint a harrowing picture of the toll these fires have taken across the state.

According to CAL FIRE, there have been 19,300 emergency responses, with 105 wildfires recorded so far. The total area burned now stands at over 40,000 acres, with more than 12,300 structures destroyed.

In addition to fire updates, CAL FIRE warned the public about false information circulating on social media, as a viral Facebook post claimed that individuals could join clean-up crews in fire-affected areas. CAL FIRE quickly debunked the post, urging people not to call their offices about this supposed opportunity.

While the focus remains on controlling the fires and assisting those affected, CAL FIRE has also released a seasonal outlook for the months ahead.

Following recent rainfall, the agency has begun transitioning to winter preparedness staffing levels statewide, signaling a decrease in fire activity.

However, officials have cautioned that Southern California remains at heightened risk due to above-normal temperatures, below-normal precipitation, and an increased likelihood of offshore wind events through February 2025.

Still, a Jet Stream is expected to bring cooler, wetter conditions in the next few months, with lowland vegetation growth and snow accumulation in higher elevations reducing the risk of significant fires.

Despite these promising developments, CAL FIRE stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, especially in fire-prone areas like Southern California. Crews will use this time to engage in fuel reduction projects and other preventative efforts to prepare for future fire risks.

As the situation remains fluid, the public should stay updated through official channels, as statistics and containment levels are subject to change as assessments continue.

Their ongoing efforts are a critical reminder of the importance of preparation and resilience in the face of natural disasters.