SPEAKING OUT
Harry & Meghan break silence as ‘apocalypse’ wildfires rip through LA mansions miles from £24m Montecito family home
The blaze is one of the most destructive in the city's history
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have broken their silence on the "apocalyptic" wildfires that have ripped through multiple mansions in Los Angeles.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live just 80 miles away from the chaos, called for people to take in evacuated friends, family and pets if they can.
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The series of major fires in California have killed five people, ravaged communities and sent thousands of people fleeing their properties, including areas dotted with celebrity homes.
Harry and Meghan - who live in Montecito - recommended a list of fire services charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support.
They said on their website: "In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more - affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
The Sussexes added: "If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate, and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do."
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Harry and Meghan's 16 bedroom mansion, which also boasts a two-bed guest house, faced a power cut amid the wild fires.
It comes as...
- Five people have died as uncontrolled wildfires engulf Los Angeles
- At least 130,000 have been evacuated and schools have closed
- Nearly 400,000 homes are left without power as over 2,000 buildings destroyed and 30,000 acres burned
- Firefighters are "maxed out" and reportedly running out of water
- Harrowing footage shows the city up in flames
- Celebrity homes have been torched, including A-listers like Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Anthony Hopkins
- Joe Biden slammed for announcing granddaughter's baby news during LA fire presser
The duke and duchess are understood to have already donated supplies.
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It is believed Harry and Meghan contributed clothing, children's items, and other essential supplies.
The Sussexes also invited into their home friends and loved ones who had been forced to evacuate, it is understood.
Pacific Palisades wildfire is 'worst possible scenario' for firefighters as Biden forced to change plans at last minute
Multi-million dollar mansions have been left completely charred with the wildfires branded one of the most destructive blazes in the city's history.
Officials have declared a state of emergency and citizens are preparing themselves for the situation to get worse.
The infernos have consumed parts of Malibu, the Hollywood Hills, and Runyon Canyon, turning the region into a fiery battleground.
and his family were among the celebs forced to flee their Los Angeles home.
His wife, Emma, took to Instagram to share the couple’s terrifying ordeal, describing scenes of "helicopters, thick black smoke, and howling winds."
The Sussexes' statement continued: "Organizations such as José Andrés’ , which has been a longtime partner of , are serving meals to both first responders and victims of the fire.
" and and others are working closely to support firefighters who risk their lives, bravely showing up in these high-risk environments to help save homes, families, and communities in need.
" is continuing to house and care for animals evacuated by the fires while is providing emergency transportation services for horses.
" have partnered to provide free, temporary housing for those who have been displaced.
" is providing essential supplies including diapers, clothing, hygiene products, and emergency kits to families in need.
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and many others are staying open for emergency use, offering supplies and water for pickup while working tirelessly to distribute essentials to those affected. "
The fires started on January 6 and have left dozens injured, while causing billions in damage.
LA wildfires by the numbers
THERE are five main fires which have hit LA over the last two days and are now threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents.
Here's a list of the key facts for each of the blazes:
Palisades fire:
- Started: 10.30am Tuesday near Palisades Drive
- Size: 17,000 acres
- Containment: Zero per cent
- Injuries: Unknown number of “significant” injuries
- Damage: At least, 1000 buildings burned with 13,000 more threatened
- Evacuations: Some 30,000 people under evacuation orders
- Summary: The Palisades fire spread quickly in the gusty, dry winds and dry brush and ran into celebrity enclave neighborhoods filled with multimillion-dollar homes.
Eaton fire:
- Started: 6.18pm on Tuesday in Altadena near Eaton Canyon
- Size: 10,000 acres
- Containment: Zero per cent
- Injuries: Five dead, unknown number of injuries
- Evacuations: Some 100,000 people under evacuation orders
- Summary: The Eaton fire spread rapidly and quickly threatened homes in the area more densely populated than Palisades.
Sunset fire:
- Started: 6.00pm Wednesday
- Size: 60 to 100 acres
- Containment: Zero per cent
- Injuries: Unknown
- Evacuations: Orders issued for parts of Hollywood, but since lifted
- Summary: The Sunset fire has burned some of the most iconic LA real estate including Sunset Boulevard. It has also threatened Hollywood Boulevard and the iconic Hollywood sign and Hollywood Bowl.
Hurst fire:
- Started: 10.29pm on Tuesday in Sylmar
- Size: 850 acres
- Containment: 10 per cent
- Injuries: None reported
- Summary: The blaze broke out near the interstate on the fringe of the city of San Fernando. It is not thought to have damaged any homes so far.
Lidia fire:
- Started: 2pm on Wednesday
- Size: 350 acres
- Containment: 40 per cent
- Injuries: None reported
- Summary: The Lidia fire is away from the city on the northern side of the Magic Mountain Wilderness Area. It is mostly burning through bush and does not threaten homes.
Kenneth fire:
- Started: 2.39pm on Thursday
- Size: 50 acres
- Containment: 0 per cent
- Injuries: None reported
- Summary: The Kenneth fire is in the north west, with evacuation orders issued.
