Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney has reassured supporters about the safety of his family amidst the catastrophic wildfires threatening his Los Angeles residence. The star of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to let fans know that he and his loved ones were safe after being compelled to evacuate due to the wildfires engulfing Los Angeles this week.
Expressing shock at the extent of the fires, McElhenney, who acquired Wrexham alongside Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, commended the extraordinary bravery of the emergency services. He expressed his gratitude in a post: “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 to hell to help. THANK YOU.”
The severe Palisades Fire has scorched over 15,000 acres, spreading from Malibu to Santa Monica. CNN reported it as one of the most destructive blazes Los Angeles has seen, with an estimated 1,000 structures decimated. Eleven fatalities have been confirmed, reports Wales Online.
McElhenney, based not far in Brentwood, was under an evacuation order because of the Palisades fire. He lives with his wife, who is also his co-star on “It’s Always Sunny,” Kaitlin Olson, and their two sons, Axel Lee and Leo Grey.
Their property portfolio includes a main house, an expansive pool house, and a guesthouse that also serves as an office space. The current condition of McElhenney’s home is unknown, reports the Mirror.
In the meantime, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ Brentwood residence has been issued with an evacuation order due to a nearby brush fire. Brentwood, a posh neighbourhood, is also home to A-list celebrities such as LA Lakers star LeBron James and Hollywood actors Ben Affleck and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
NFL legend Tom Brady, a minority owner of Wrexham’s League One rivals Birmingham City, is among the estimated 35,000 residents. Once home to Joan Crawford, Steve McQueen, and Marilyn Monroe, it is situated on the west side of Los Angeles.
Median home values in the area are estimated at £1.3million ($1.62m), significantly higher than the national average of £229,108 ($281,900), according to Niche.com. The median rent in the area is a staggering £2,417 ($2,974 per month), compared to the national average of £1,030 ($1,268).
The median household income stands at £148,161 ($182,296), which is more than double the national level of £61,077 ($75,149). The community was devastated by a large wildfire back in 1961, which destroyed nearly 500 homes in Brentwood and Bel Air.
Since the disaster, fire authorities have designated large areas of Brentwood as a “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone”.
This indicates that the risk of brush fires is a constant threat in the hills and canyons extending from Mulholland Drive to Sunset Boulevard. McElhenney has received an outpouring of support from Wrexham fans and club associates after announcing his family’s safety.
Eric Allyn, a New York-based investor who recently purchased a minority stake in the club, said: “So glad to hear this Rob. Stay safe please.”
A Wrexham fan voiced their relief: “Rob, so glad to hear that you and your family are safe. Much love and best of luck from our family here in Wrexham.”
The actor, known for his contributions to various noble causes in Wrexham, has seen the town prepare to reciprocate with fundraising initiatives for those affected by the LA wildfires. Wrexham Police FC, whose team members exchange their police badges for football boots in their free time, plan to organise a charity football match for the cause.
The team’s dedication was cemented when they initiated a GoFundMe campaign. They detailed their plans on the crowdfunding platform, stating: “Wrexham has a close affiliation with our friends in LA and we would like to raise money to support that those have been directly affected by the truly awful wildfires that have caused devastation and destruction to homes and wildlife. We are currently organising a charity football match that will take place next month, opposition and venue to be confirmed.
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