Wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles County for almost two weeks, killing multiple people and causing extensive damage to property and land and displacing hundreds of residents. Of all the fires that were the most destructive was the Palisades fire that burnt over 20,000 acres, and much of it remains uncontained, while the Eaton fire reportedly is 45 percent contained.
Among the victims of the wildfires is “Selling Sunset” reality TV star Chrishell Stause. The actress recently shared her experience in having to evacuate her home in Los Angeles as the flames closed in on her property, which she shares with partner G Flip.
During an appearance on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, Stause recounted the terrifying moment when evacuation became inevitable. “When we did have to evacuate, there was a kind of fire right in our backyard. It was immediately like, ‘You got to go.’ I just got frozen in fear,” she said. Stause also reflected on a traumatic memory from her childhood – when at the age of 12, she had witnessed her home going up in flames, a memory that resurfaced during the current crisis.
G Flip, who goes by they/them pronouns, took charge during the emergency and helped Stause navigate the chaos. “They are so amazing. They basically were like, okay, and just started running me through the things,” Stause said, acknowledging the support she got during the traumatic experience.
Surprised by her reaction when confronted with the possibility of danger, Stause owned up to the following: “You don’t know how you are going to act. I think I would’ve liked to have thought I was good in an emergency case. But this kinda showed me, I really needed a little kick in the butt, and G was there to keep me focused.”
The Palisades fire is now 21% contained, with 23,713 acres as of Thursday, January 16. Eaton fire: A fire that had set a historic event for Southern California, 45% containment with thousands of structures lost to the flame.
Critical weather has passed, but firefighters are continuing to face very hazardous conditions and a potential for more fire growth in their efforts to work through the ongoing region-wide wildfires.
