LA fires: George Stroumboulopoulos opens doors to friends

George Stroumboulopoulos Opens His Home to Evacuees as Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles

As wildfires continued to ravage parts of Los Angeles, Canadian media personality George Stroumboulopoulos offered refuge to eight people, two dogs, and a cat in his home. The fires, fueled by intense Santa Ana winds, forced many residents to evacuate or face the destruction of their homes.

Stroumboulopoulos, who witnessed the Sunset fire ignite in the Hollywood Hills near his residence, made the decision to keep his doors open to those in need. Despite the looming danger, he expressed his determination to remain unless compelled to evacuate.

Reflecting on the community’s response to the crisis, Stroumboulopoulos highlighted the unity and support shown by residents towards each other. From providing shelter to delivering essential supplies, the city came together in solidarity during this challenging time.

The media personality emphasized the impact of the hurricane-force winds in his neighborhood, causing discomfort and health concerns. He described the surreal experience of waking up to smoke-filled skies and the daunting sight of multiple wildfires in the vicinity.

By Thursday, firefighters managed to contain the Sunset fire, leading to the lifting of evacuation orders in the area. However, larger fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena continued to pose a threat, with five reported deaths linked to these blazes.

Montreal-born actor Elias Toufexis shared his harrowing experience of fleeing his Calabasas home with his family as the fires rapidly spread. The actor underscored the severity of the situation, particularly noting the destructive force of the relentless winds.

Toufexis expressed frustration over insensitive remarks on social media regarding the plight of those affected by the fires, emphasizing that many residents, including working professionals, face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives.

Several Canadian entertainers, such as Eugene Levy, Cobie Smulders, and Cameron Mathison, were also impacted by the wildfires, with reports of homes being destroyed. Music producer Greg Wells shared a poignant image of his charred property, highlighting the widespread devastation.

The resilience and compassion displayed by individuals in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength of the community during times of crisis.

With files from The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2025.