Jonathan Scott Visits Charred Remains of Zooey Deschanel’s Family Home: How He’s Helping

Two months after devastating wildfires blazed through multiple neighborhoods in Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, HGTV star Jonathan Scott is devoting his time and resources to helping families rebuild — including his own.

On March 25, 2025, the “Property Brothers” star premiered a 10-minute video filmed at the site where his fiancée Zooey Deschanel’s family home once stood in the Pacific Palisades. Scott previously vowed to help rebuild the house, but as he stood in front of its charred remains, he shared how he’s trying to help many other families navigate the complicated process of starting over, too.

Jonathan Scott Says He Wants to Provide Displaced L.A. Families With ‘Hope’ & Tools

Deschanel shared on January 17 that her parents’ house, where she grew up, burned to the ground in the fires, writing, “The family photos that lined the hallways, the artwork, the piano I learned to play on, the wedding china, the furniture my great great grandfather built… the reminders of generations past: All have vanished into thin air.”

As Scott walked through the wreckage in his video, he said, “So many memories here. It’s just heartbreaking. I try to focus on the steps of what we actually have to do to build back.”

Standing in front of the cement archway where the home’s front door once stood, Scott said he’s been working diligently with city officials and recovery workers to develop a “verified” five-step plan for families trying to figure out how to rebuild their own homes — and ensure they can withstand a potential fire in the future.

“Did you know that if you build back under today’s code you don’t resolve the three main ways a house catches fire?” he asked.

Scott, who’s a licensed contractor, told those impacted by the fires, “You have the right to take your money and either go buy another house, or use it to rebuild a house. I strongly recommend rebuilding, as these areas will absolutely be safer and more valuable when rebuilt.”

A step-by-step list of actions to take — and what to avoid — is now available on the website he runs with his twin brother and HGTV co-star, Drew Scott.

Zooey Deschanel Called Jonathan Scott the ‘Best Person’ for Helping So Many in L.A.

Amid lots of “disinformation” and frauds trying to take advantage of displaced families in L.A., Jonathan Scott said in his new video that he’s been impressed by official recovery efforts and doesn’t want families to lose hope.

“There is hope and there is help available to you,” the “Celebrity IOU” star said. “The recovery effort is way ahead of schedule. In fact, almost all of the surrounding areas with houses still standing have had their power fully restored and their water is now safe to drink. I’ve been working with the city very closely and the state agencies on the rebuilding effort.”

Scott’s message echoed what he told “Entertainment Tonight” in late February, when he said, “I think it’s important for people to know not to listen to a lot of the rhetoric online. The rebuild is happening. In fact, it’s moving faster than anticipated. The county and the city are doing so much work to make sure people can get home.”

In the same interview, Deschanel added, “I have to say, the city has actually been incredible. Their response has been amazing.”

She also gushed about Scott’s commitment to helping her parents and their neighbors who lost their homes, saying, “He’s the best partner ever, but he’s also, like, the best neighbor. He was there for, like, every neighbor that needed help … he’s the best person.”