Jen Atkin, renowned for her work with the Kardashians and co-owner of haircare brand OUAI, has been left devastated by the destructive LA wildfires that have ravaged her home. In a heartbreaking social media post, she shared with her 5.3 million followers the devastation caused by the fires in the Pacific Palisades area. She described the area as a “sweet neighborhood just last week” before it was destroyed by the flames.
On Instagram, Atkin posted a photo showing the coastline hit by the fire, along with a message expressing her sorrow at the loss of her home. She was seen in tears with her dog as she and her husband, fashion photographer Mike Rosenthal, evacuated the area. Atkin shared the overwhelming news that their entire neighbourhood had been demolished and many people were displaced and scared in the wake of the disaster.
The wildfires in California have been rapidly spreading, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes in areas such as Malibu, Hollywood Hills, and Runyon Canyon. Tragically, five people have lost their lives, over 1000 homes have been destroyed, and 70,000 individuals have been evacuated. The fires have turned once-glamorous streets into battlegrounds for firefighters, with reports of water shortages and intense winds making containment efforts challenging.
Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Harrison Ford, and Billy Crystal have also seen their homes destroyed by the fires. The scale of the fires is massive, spanning over 25,000 acres and generating smoke visible from space according to the Nasa Space Observatory. President Joe Biden has approved the allocation of more aid in response to the crisis as California grapples with this ongoing emergency.
The state of emergency declared due to the wildfires has prompted an all-hands-on-deck response to bring the situation under control. The bravery and resilience of firefighters and communities coming together in the face of this disaster highlight the need for support and solidarity during these challenging times.