Northern Ireland

Stephen Nolan ‘safe’ in California as wildfires tear across LA

The presenter is currently on holiday in the US state

Water is dropped by helicopter on the advancing Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles (Etienne Laurent/AP)
Water is dropped by helicopter on the advancing Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles (Etienne Laurent/AP) (Etienne Laurent/AP)
By Mark Robinson

BBC presenter Stephen Nolan has said he is “safe” in California as the state battles with a number of out-of-control wildfires in Los Angeles.

The 51-year-old said that he was staying in central California – an area which is not currently impacted by wildfires.

In a post on social media platform X, Mr Nolan stated that he was staying in the Monterrey Bay area, just south of San Jose.

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“Really lovely that so many of you are getting in touch to ask if I’m ok while I’m in California,” he said.

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“I’ve just been in Santa Cruz & now as I write this I’m at the beautiful beach in Carmel so I’m safe.”

He added that southern California has “such a special place” in his heart.

“I’m thinking about all those affected by the fires.”

Wildfires in the southern part of the Golden State are currently causing devastation in LA, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee.

Governor of California Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as out-of-control blazes impact the north and west of the city, with the largest fire in the affluent Pacific Palisades area.

Flames are being spread by the Santa Anas winds – extreme, dry winds that are common in the state during the winter.

Formed inland, the northeasterly gusts blow in the opposite direction of the moist airflow which usually comes onshore from the Pacific Ocean.

As of Wednesday morning, the wildfires stand at 0% containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.