LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 31: Actor Rob Lowe waves a Dodgers flag on the dugout prior to Game 6 of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
California is known for its wild fires, but nothing prepared the area for the devastation that was caused by the most recent fires, which burned nearly 300,000 acres of land across the Southern California region. The fires affected many lives, and actor Rob Lowe was among them.
To thank the firefighters and first responders who have been on the scene helping others, Lowe gave them all a big meal at his home. He posted the message on his personal Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc1OzmjhjqW/
He posted a second image with the firefighters, saying “Thank you to all the crews from all over the country who stood tall and saved my town.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc02Pd9BZf6/
He also posted this picture of himself in some gear with the caption “Helping earlier today. You do what you can, but when it’s time … you GO.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcyABQDBfGu/
These fires have affected so many people. It is refreshing to see someone of Lowe’s wealth and fame helping out in any way that he can. I’m sure the firefighters appreciated his help, and I know they appreciated his food.
According to ABC News:
Lowe is among the many Hollywood stars with properties in the path of the fast-moving wildfire, which made its way toward the wealthy enclave of Montecito, California, over the weekend. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey and comedian Ellen DeGeneres also have homes in the path of the fires.
Worsened by brutal winds and bone-dry conditions, the fire has burned at least 271,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, making it the third-largest wildfire in modern California history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The largest fire on the department’s list, which dates back to 1932, is the 2003 Cedar fire, which charred more than 273,000 acres and killed 15 people.
The Thomas fire was sparked on Dec. 4, and authorities say it could take weeks to fully contain. It has reduced more than 1,000 homes and business to ash and damaged hundreds of others. It was 50 percent contained as of late Monday, officials said.
According to FoxNews.com, the local residents are preparing for strong winds to bring the fires back this week.
After a welcome lull in powerful winds that drove Southern California’s massive wildfire, crews and homeowners braced Wednesday for the return of potentially dangerous gusts that could revive the flames.
Some residents are watching from afar at hotels and evacuation centers, while others are waiting in their homes and hoping for the best.
Katy and Bob Zappala have stayed in their home in Santa Barbara, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, despite a mandatory evacuation order that’s been in place since Saturday.
Our cars are packed, we have all our clothes and jewelry, so we’re ready to leave at a moment’s notice should we have to,” Katy Zappala, 74, said Wednesday. “We’re ready to leap in and leave, and we’re just keeping a good eye on the sky.”
Some 18,000 homes and other buildings remain threatened in Ventura and Santa Barba counties.
The Thomas Fire, which began Dec. 4, is responsible for two deaths, has destroyed at least 750 homes, and has burned about 425 square miles (1,100 square kilometers).
The blaze was 60 percent contained and now the second-largest in California history. Officials said the new winds could cause it to grow into the state’s biggest fire ever.
Our thoughts go out to the people of this region who have gone through so much. Here’s to hoping the fires don’t come back.
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