Meryl Streep narrowly escaped wildfires in Los Angeles, nephew reveals

Meryl Streep, 75, was forced to evacuate her home in Los Angeles on January 8 due to wildfires sweeping through the area.

In an article published in The New York Magazine by her nephew, Abe Streep, the actress’ escape was described as a harrowing experience. When she received an evacuation order, she found that a fallen tree had blocked her only exit. Determined to leave, Streep borrowed wire cutters from a neighbor, creating a hole in the fence large enough to drive through, and escaped through a neighbor's yard.

The wildfires, which began on January 7, heavily impacted communities in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, displacing thousands.

Streep’s long-time friend Martin Short, 74, also faced the fires in Pacific Palisades, where he took family heirlooms with him as he evacuated. It took him over an hour to leave the area as some residents abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot.

Actor Haley Joel Osment, who resides in Altadena, also shared his experience, revealing that he lost 500 records and a piano that was a gift from his parents. Osment expressed concerns about the handling of the fire and questioned whether decisions were made to let the neighborhood burn.

As of January 28, the death toll from the fires had risen to 29. Short confirmed his home in Pacific Palisades survived, but one of his sons lost his nearby residence. Osment plans to rebuild in Altadena, while Short also intends to stay in his home.