AceShowbiz - Meryl Streep, the iconic 75-year-old actress, had remarkable tenacity when the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles earlier this year. On January 8, as evacuation mandates were rapidly issued across the city, Streep faced a dire obstacle - a fallen tree blocked her only exit, trapping her within her property.

With time ticking away, Streep's quick thinking led her to borrow wire cutters from a neighbor. As her nephew, Abe Streep, recounted in New York Magazine, the Hollywood star "cut a car-size hole in the fence" shared with her neighbors. Determined to escape, she then drove through the yard to safety.

The fires, which began on January 7, tragically destroyed nearly 20,000 properties, displacing around 200,000 residents, including many high-profile figures. Among them was actor Martin Short, Streep's "Only Murders in the Building" co-star. Short revealed that family photo albums were his most valued items taken when the evacuation order came. Though his home survived, one of his sons' houses was lost to the flames.

Haley Joel Osment, known for his roles in "The Sixth Sense" and "Blink Twice," also faced significant losses. Returning from a movie shoot, Osment found his home and his parents' home in Altadena consumed by the Eaton fire. Osment expressed his sorrow over losing 500 records and a piano gifted by his parents. The impact of the fires led him to question the management and response of the authorities during the crisis.

Other celebrities, such as John Goodman and Sir Anthony Hopkins, also reported lost homes. Additionally, Paris Hilton, Spencer Pratt, and Mel Gibson saw their properties reduced to ashes. The recent rains, though small, provided some relief, but concerns about fire season extending into February persist among experts.

The wildfires have left an indelible mark on Los Angeles, claiming 29 lives and displacing thousands. The resilience and determination shown by individuals, including Meryl Streep, offer a glimmer of hope and strength amidst the devastation. As recovery efforts continue, the city remains united in its resolve to rebuild and support those affected by the fires.