Adrian Smith, the guitarist from Iron Maiden, has faced an unimaginable loss as the recent wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles destroyed his Malibu home.
His wife, Nathalie Dufresne Smith, broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram. Two days ago, Nathalie posted a video showing their family and neighbors evacuating their home in Malibu as the flames approached. Today, she shared a poignant photo with a message of resilience: “We are safe. We have each other. We will start again. #malibustrong Thank you for your support during these trying times.”
California is currently in the midst of a catastrophic wildfire season, with the Pacific Palisades fire standing out as one of the most destructive events in Los Angeles’ history. The fires, exacerbated by the powerful Santa Ana winds, have already obliterated over 12,000 structures, claimed at least two lives, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
The wildfires have caused widespread disruptions, including school closures, power outages, and the cancellation of significant events like the Critics Choice Awards. The ongoing battle against the blazes is proving to be an intense challenge for firefighters, who are contending with dry hydrants, powerful winds, and limited aerial support. More than 1,400 firefighters are actively engaged in the fight, with additional help arriving from neighboring regions.
The devastating fires continue to threaten lives, homes, and communities, underscoring the immense destruction California is facing during this tragic fire season.