'Our family is safe' - Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney shares update as wildfires tear through Los Angeles suburbs

Los Angeles residents have faced harrowing scenes as raging wildfires consume the city’s suburbs, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake and forcing thousands to evacuate. One of the most severe incidents, the Palisades fire, has already destroyed over 1,000 buildings, displacing 37,000 people under evacuation orders. Another 32,500 residents have been uprooted due to the Eaton fire.

In another alarming development, the Hurst fire, which erupted near the Sylmar area of Los Angeles, has expanded to engulf 500 acres. The blaze prompted the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents overnight. With the combined impact of these wildfires, emergency services are stretched to their limits as they battle to contain the flames and prevent further devastation. Local authorities have urged residents across affected areas to conserve water. The overwhelming demand on firefighters has caused a significant drop in both the pressure and quality of the city’s water supply, further complicating efforts to combat the fires.

Amid the chaos, McElhenney, who is a Los Angeles resident, offered a personal update on Instagram. Sharing his gratitude for the safety of his loved ones, McElhenney wrote: wrote: "Our family is safe. So many homes, whole neighbourhoods are just... gone. Everyone in our lives reaching out, which makes our heart so full. An astonishing amount of bravery displayed by the first responders going into hell to help. THANK YOU."

As McElhenney deals with the fallout of the wildfires, his football club, Wrexham, are not in action for some time. The team’s scheduled League One match against Reading has been postponed due to the Royals' progression to the third round of the FA Cup. Hence, Wrexham’s next fixture is now set for January 16 against Shrewsbury Town in the league.