Take That star Mark Owen has had to evacuate his Los Angeles residence as he awoke to the chaos of “helicopters, thick black smoke and winds howling.”
California is grappling with rapidly spreading wildfires that have forced thousands from their homes, seeking refuge from the flames. The devastation has hit areas such as Malibu, Hollywood Hills, and Runyon Canyon.
Officials report that the disaster has claimed five lives, with more than 1,000 homes razed and 70,000 residents evacuated, the Mirror reports.
The state of emergency declared sees firefighters battling against the inferno on what were once glamorous streets, now hampered by water shortages and fierce winds that severely hinder containment efforts.
Celebrities including Paris Hilton, Harrison Ford, and Billy Crystal are among those who have lost homes to the blaze. Mark Owen is now amongst the many advised to seek safety away from their homes.
On Instagram, his wife Emma shared: “Thank you for all your messages and checking in. I can’t quite comprehend what happened here, but we are safe. The hurricane-force winds and lack of water have meant the fire has spread catastrophically fast and taken much of our beloved area with it. Schools, homes, shops, and stables are all gone.
“We woke up to helicopters, thick black smoke, winds howling, and the uncertainty that our house would survive. I wish I had packed better. Even if I had just grabbed each of their baby shoes, it would have been something.
“So many have lost everything, pets included. And it’s nowhere near over. Three active fires are blazing around us, and there is not enough water to manage the situation. Planes are grounded due to the winds.
“I’m not sure what our next step is. Right now, I’m just heavy and tired. We are beyond grateful to the heroes at @losangelesfiredepartment for all they do during these times. They work tirelessly to save homes and lives under catastrophic conditions. We see you. Climate change is real, and it’s apocalyptic when it strikes.”
Before being evacuated, Emma informed her online followers that there was “no water left” and that aircrafts which had been spreading water across the fires had been grounded due to the rising winds. She added: “We need your prayers”.
Dozens of fires have been reported across the region, with fires in Hurst, Eaton, Woodley, Palisades and Runyon Canyon – with the fires now so substantial they span more than 25,000 acres with the smoke even visible from space, as per the Nasa Space Observatory.
Having now declared a state of emergency, all resources are being deployed to try and bring the fires under control, with President Joe Biden having responded directly to the crisis by approving the allocation of more aid.
On Wednesday evening, he took to social media and stated: “I have directed the @DeptofDefense to rapidly provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities to the region being impacted by the Southern California wildfires. We also continue to work closely with the National Guard.
“My thanks to the California National Guard and the Nevada National Guard for readying Airborne Firefighting Systems. Ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets are on their way.
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