In early January, devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Among those affected was acclaimed actress Meryl Streep, who found herself in a desperate situation when ordered to evacuate her home. Abe Streep, the actress's nephew, provided a vivid account of her escape in a New York Magazine article, which also explored the broader implications of the fires on the city's future rebuilding efforts.
Abe Streep recounted how his aunt Meryl received an evacuation order on January 8. However, her attempt to leave was thwarted by a fallen tree blocking her driveway, forcing her to devise an unconventional escape plan.
"My aunt Meryl Streep received an order to evacuate on January 8, but when she tried to leave, she discovered that a large tree had fallen over in her driveway, blocking her only exit," – Abe Streep
Determined to escape the advancing flames, Meryl borrowed wire cutters from a neighbor and cut through a fence to drive through another yard to safety.
"Determined to make it out, she borrowed wire cutters from a neighbor, cut a car-size hole in the fence she shared with the neighbors on the other side, and drove through their yard to escape," – Abe Streep
The wildfires also forced Martin Short, Meryl's costar in "Only Murders in the Building," to evacuate his home in Pacific Palisades. His son alerted him to the danger, prompting a hurried departure. Fortunately, when Martin returned on January 27, he found his home still standing.
Meanwhile, in Altadena, actor Haley Joel Osment faced his own ordeal with the Eaton Fire. The blaze devastated the community and resulted in significant personal losses for Osment, including 500 records and a cherished piano gifted by his parents for his 18th birthday.
Traffic congestion exacerbated the chaos as residents attempted to flee. It took more than an hour to travel distances that would typically take just five minutes, as highlighted by Abe Streep.
"more than an hour to cover a distance that would normally take five minutes," – Abe Streep
The wildfires claimed numerous celebrity homes, belonging to Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Anna Faris, Paris Hilton, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Mark Hamill, and Mandy Moore. The scale of destruction has raised questions about Los Angeles' readiness and ability to rebuild after such calamitous events.
