‘NYPD Blue’ Actor William McNamara Details Saving Neighbors’ Pets

William McNamara might be an actor … but the only acting he did this week was acting like a hero — ’cause he saved multiple animals left behind in the Pacific Palisades wildfire.

The longtime film and TV actor joined us on “TMZ Live” Friday … and, we had a ton of questions about his animal rescue operations this week — kicking off when officers closed the roads into the Palisades.

McNamara explains some people left animals at home and went out for the night … and, when they tried to come back to rescue the animals, cops wouldn’t allow them in.

Billy was already in the Palisades … so, instead of leaving, he started rescuing pets — rounding up dogs, pigs, peacocks, horses and other animals and getting them to safety.

McNamara says he has some experience saving animals … so, he didn’t go into this with no idea what to do — but, his eyes and lungs are messed up because of prolonged exposure to the fire.

William doesn’t take any praise for his rescue efforts … instead highlighting a few people he knows who run the Animal Advocacy Network, claiming just three of them rescued more than 300 animals since the fires broke out — and asking the public for donations for them.

As for what to do with all the animals now, especially if their owners have nowhere to go … listen to what Billy has to say. Clearly, it’s one big collective effort.

The Palisades Fire is by far the largest of the fires currently plaguing Los Angeles … consuming nearly 20K acres already, and it’s only 8% contained at this time.

It’s still early on in the recovery process … but, regular people like Billy are already doing their best to make an impact on their community.

Watch “TMZ Live” today … check your local listings.