Actress Christel Smith and her family recently faced a terrifying ordeal as they narrowly escaped a devastating wildfire that engulfed their luxurious home in Los Angeles. The former South African soapie star, known for her role as Tarien in Egoli, relocated to Hollywood nearly three decades ago to pursue her acting career.
The wildfires, which claimed the lives of 10 people and damaged over 9,000 structures, swept through the Hollywood Hills neighborhood, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Smith described the scene as reminiscent of “Armageddon” as the flames consumed everything in their path.
Smith shared the heartbreaking news that her family’s home was one of the first to be destroyed by the raging inferno. Despite the devastating loss, she expressed gratitude that they were able to rescue their beloved animals. However, she lamented the loss of irreplaceable memorabilia, including photos and mementos from her time on Egoli, as well as items belonging to her late friend and Egoli co-star, Esta TerBlanche.
TerBlanche, who portrayed Bienkie, the sister of Smith’s character on Egoli, tragically passed away last year at the age of 51. Smith had kept precious possessions belonging to TerBlanche to pass on to her family, only to see them consumed by the flames.
The actress revealed that the destruction extended beyond their home, with local establishments such as shops, libraries, and schools also falling victim to the wildfires. She described the surreal aftermath as resembling a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie.
Currently displaced from their home, Smith, her husband Edward Durkin, and their son Eddie are relying on the support of friends as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The Los Angeles Times reported that the wildfires in LA may be the costliest wildfire disaster in American history, with numerous luxury mansions belonging to Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, and others being destroyed.
As the city remains under a red flag warning, the residents of Los Angeles are bracing for the possibility of further devastation. The resilience and strength displayed by Smith and her family serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of those affected by natural disasters.
