Amidst the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in early January, renowned actress Meryl Streep found herself in a life-threatening situation. As flames approached her home, Streep made a daring escape by cutting a hole in her fence and driving to safety, as reported by her nephew in a recent issue of New York magazine.
The fires, which started on January 7, ravaged the city and claimed the lives of at least 29 people while destroying over 15,000 structures. Streep, like many others in the affected areas, had to act quickly to evade the encroaching inferno. When faced with a fallen tree blocking her driveway as she tried to evacuate on January 8, Streep resorted to borrowing wire cutters from a neighbor to create an exit route through a fence.
The detailed account by Abe Streep, a journalist for reputable publications such as The New York Times, Wired, and Harper’s, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of evacuees, including celebrities like Streep and actor Haley Joel Osment. Osment, who lost his Altadena home and cherished possessions in the fire, expressed his intention to rebuild and return to the area despite the devastation.
The article also mentions the evacuation of Martin Short, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, who captured a poignant family photo while fleeing the rapidly spreading flames. The fires, which are now 95% and 99% contained, mark one of the largest wildfire incidents in Los Angeles history.
As Streep and other residents navigate the aftermath of the wildfires, the resilience and bravery displayed during the crisis serve as a testament to the strength of the community in the face of adversity.