South African actress loses house in LA fires

Former ‘Egoli’ actress Christel Smith and her family were fortunate to escape unharmed when the ongoing fires destroyed their Los Angeles house. Smith is one of the many Los Angeles residents who have lost their houses or been severely impacted by the ongoing wildfires in the area.

What is the current situation?

Wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles. So far, the fires have killed at least 11 people, and 153 000 people had to evacuate, as reported by Sky News.

Since the start of the fires around a densely populated, 40-kilometre expanse north of downtown Los Angeles, they have burned more than 12 000 structures. This includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings, and also vehicles. 

Smith describes neighbourhood as ‘Armageddon’

According to The Citizen, the South African actress likened the apocalyptic landscape of her neighbourhood in Hollywood Hills to ‘Armageddon’.

Christel Smith relocated to Hollywood almost 30 years ago to pursue her acting dreams. This was after she gained fame as Tarien in the iconic M-Net soapie Egoli. Egoli remains one of the most popular daily prime time serials in South Africa’s television history. After moving to the US, she has landed roles in CSI Cyber, Rake, Before I Got Famous, Martial Law, The Agency, and Strong Medicine.

Smith said that her family’s home in central Los Angeles was one of the first to go up in flames when the fires ripped through the affluent area.

“Everything is so surreal … it looks like Armageddon.”
Christel Smith

Los Angeles fires destroy many stars’ homes

The fires destroyed the homes of several celebrities. Among these are Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, Jeff Bridges, Anthony Hopkins, and Billy Crystal.

‘Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing,’ said Billy Crystal. The house where he and his wife lived for more than 40 years burned down. ‘We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this,’ Crystal added.

Have you been in a situation where you had to evacuate your home due to a fire?

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