Monday, 17 November 2008

• Prev
• Next

SHOCK! Rob Lowe flees California wildfires

Actor and son had to evacuate his mansion

Rob Lowe stars in hit US shows Brothers & Sisters and The West Wing

Rob Lowe feared for his life when he was caught up in the wildfires in California.

The actor was forced to flee his home with his son as flames raced towards his mansion in the exclusive Montecito area.

‘Embers were in our shirts and our hair,’ he told the Oprah Winfrey Show.

‘We got in our car, pulled out the driveway and the entire mountain behind us was in flames 200ft high shooting into the air.

'The wind was easily 70mph and it was absolutely Armageddon.

‘This thing came on so fast you just can’t believe it. There was no warning, it came out of nowhere.

'It was right on top of some dear friends’ home. If the wind had shifted it would have been on us in seconds.’

Fortunately for Rob, 44, his property was saved.  

‘I’m very lucky. My house is fine,’ he added. ‘I’ve lived here since 1976 and see a lot of fires but last night I watched 12, 13 homes burn to the ground.

'It’s so tragic. It’s so sad. This is the worst I have ever seen.’

Other celebs in the neighbourhood include Christopher Lloyd, John Cleese, Kevin Costner, Ellen De Generes and Steve Martin.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 61, has declared a state of emergency in the region.

Now is the perfect Christmas gift. Subscribe and save 30%.