The founder of BPerfect Cosmetics has shared his experience of being 'two blocks away' from the wildfires in Los Angeles.
A series of devastating wildfires have swept through California since Tuesday morning, shattering the lives and homes of thousands.
Five people have lost their lives so far in the blaze, according to officials, with over 1000 homes destroyed and more than 70,000 people evacuated.
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NI businessman Brendan McDowell took to social media to share that he and his family were safe from the wildfires and shared his thoughts for all those who have lost their homes in the devastation.
Last month, Brendan and his partner Tony travelled to the US to welcome the birth of their first child, a daughter named Enya, via surrogate.
On the fires, Brendan said: "We definitely weren't expecting this on our time in LA.
"Yesterday morning at about 10 a.m, I heard loads of fire engines, so I got up, went and checked the balcony, and this was the view."
He shared videos of the wildfires illuminating the skyline and clouds of billowing smoke in the distance from the balcony of his property.
"We got a bit scared last night, so we packed bags just to get ready to go - we're literally two blocks away from the evacuation zone," he continued.
"There were other fires breaking out in other parts of Southern California, so we stuck to the guidance on the websites of the fire regulation, and we stayed in the house, but we didn't go to sleep.
"One of us stayed awake at a time."
Brendan confirmed that he, his partner and new baby are safe and are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure they follow the correct procedures.
"Thankfully, we're safe and feel sorry for all the people that have lost their homes.
"It does look like it's clearing up now, but you just don't know when another one is going to kick off.
"It felt like a scene from a movie and was obviously extra scary having a baby here as well, but we stuck to the guidance and all is OK."
Having now declared a state of emergency, all resources are being deployed to try and bring the fires under control, with President Joe Biden having responded directly to the crisis by approving the allocation of more aid.
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English (United States) ·