Eurovision finalist Bambie Thug speaks of being caught up in LA fires

Olivia Kelleher

Irish Eurovision finalist Bambie Thug has spoken of how they nearly got caught up in the LA fires this week.

The Macroom born artist told the Opinion Line on Cork’s 96FM of their narrow escape from the Runyon Canyon fire.

Bambie received the warning alert and couldn’t get an Uber.

Bambi told PJ Coogan: “I was watching the news, but I had turned it on mute and when I unmuted it immediately said 'Hollywood Hills evacuate now.’

"I was one of the many residents who received an urgent evacuation notice," they said.

"So I went up to the roof and behind the house by this restaurant called Yamashiro, which is like this old Japanese, like historic restaurant. There was this big fire next to it.

"There were eight of us on the roof.

"I've never experienced a natural disaster. Obviously in Ireland we're lucky.

"I was trying to book an Uber and they were cancelling on me and then a friend of mine actually came back into the building, gave me a lift down. So I was lucky. I'm in downtown LA now. “

While the situation was extremely serious, Bambie was amazed by the community spirit on display.

"Residents were distributing masks and taking in those displaced by the fire. It's lovely to see, actually, there's a beautiful spirit here."

Bambie is due to return home to Ireland at the end of the month.

“I'm actually just over to reboot. I'm on a holiday visa. I'm just like resting and seeing my friends. I'm writing myself.

“I'm safe and I'm well. I'm grateful to be alive.”