Cork singer-songwriter Bambie Thug 'safe and well' after escaping LA wildfires

Bambie Thug, who is visiting LA on a holiday visa, was staying next to the Hollywood Hills when the Runyon Canyon fire broke out

Bambie Thug has described how she evacuated to safety in LA as the wildfires continue to engulf homes and businesses. Picture: Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images

Cork singer-songwriter Bambie Thug has described the moment they escaped the ferocious wildfires that continue to engulf Los Angeles.

The singer, who has been in LA on a holiday visa to rest and take some time to see friends after working non-stop for two years straight, was staying next to the Hollywood Hills when the Runyon Canyon fire broke out.

Speaking to Cork’s 96FM Opinion Line with PJ Coogan, they said: “I was watching the news but had turned it on mute and then unmuted it and it immediately said Hollywood Hills evacuate now. 

"So, I went up to the roof and by this restaurant called Yamashiro, which is like this old Japanese historic restaurant, there was a big fire next to it and there were eight of us on the roof.

“I was like, ‘Should we leave?’ and immediately after I said that we got an evacuation notice. It was wild. 

I’ve never experienced a natural disaster. Obviously in Ireland, we’re lucky.

Bambie said they tried to book an Uber to no avail so a friend returned and took them to downtown LA where Bambie is now “safe and well”.

“I was lucky. Luck of the Irish,” they said.

Speaking about how the fires have ripped through LA, destroying thousands of homes, businesses and other structures - including celebrity homes - Bambie said: “I mean, it's bad for everyone, but they [the celebrities] have the money to rebuild it. There are people who don’t.” 

Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles. Picture: AP Photo/Ethan Swope.

Bambie also spoke of the amazing community spirit in LA and said people have been rallying together amidst the unfolding catastrophe.

“Somebody was driving around, giving out masks out the window when I was leaving. And everyone's taking everybody in and, you know, everyone's coming together. So it's lovely to see, actually, there's a beautiful spirit here,” they said.

Bambie said they had planned to leave LA at the end of January but might now stay a little longer to rest and write more material.

“I'm just taking it easy. I’m giving myself the break I deserve,” they said.

The death toll from the LA fires has risen to 10, according to the county coroner’s office.