Son left tragic final voicemail for his mom before he was killed in LA wildfires
A man left his mother a heartbreaking voicemail before succumbing to the Los Angeles wildfires.
Several fires are still spreading across California and have destroyed thousands of people's homes.
The flames are also claiming people's lives, with 25 people confirmed to have died at the time of writing.
As the fires continue, more than six million people in the Los Angeles area remain under a critical fire threat, CNN reports.
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One of those to have died in the ongoing devastation is 54-year-old Randall 'Randy' Miod, who had a property in Malibu.
His last conversation was with his mom, Carol Smith, on January 7; the same day the Pacific Palisades fire broke out.
Randy sadly died the following day from smoke inhalation and thermal heat.
Recalling a conversation they had when the wildfires first started, Carol told PEOPLE: "He would always call me anytime there was a fire coming.
"He was almost in tears on Tuesday when I talked to him, and he said, 'Mom, there's another fire in the Palisades. I can see the smoke.' I said, 'Randy, grab your cat and go to a shelter. Don't make me worry'."
Carol went on to share that she always worried about her son because he never evacuated during previous wildfires.
"He always stayed," she said of Randy. "He always felt that he could hose the house down with his hose."
But sadly this wasn't the case this time, and Randy lost his life in the fire.
He had called his mom later on the day in question, but she wasn't home at the time so he left a voicemail instead.
He said in his final heartfelt message to his mom: "Pray for the Palisades and pray for Malibu, and I love you."
Carol says she'll now keep this voicemail 'forever'.
Someone else to have tragically lost their life in the LA wildfires is Blues Brothers star Dalyce Curry.
The 95-year-old's home was burnt down in the blaze with her inside it.
Lorée Beamer-Wilkinson, the actor's granddaughter, said in a tribute: "With a heavy heart, I share that our search for Momma D has come to an end, as her remains were found in her home.
"We are devastated, and it’s difficult to comprehend how her life came to this end."
What we know so far about the LA wildfires
January 2
The first warning
The US National Weather Service issued a warning of potential strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire conditions five days before the first wildfire broke out.
In the following days, a Fire Weather Watch warning was issued, as well as state and local officials giving warnings to the Los Angeles area.
January 7
The first fire ignites
The Palisade's Fire ignites, triggering an emergency call to be sent to LA residents advising people near the fire to get set for 'a potential evacuation'.
Later that day, however, the City of Santa Monica issued an Evacuation Order for all areas of the city north of San Vicente: "Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW."
Two more wildfires begin
Just hours after the first wildfire ignites, the second - named the Eaton Fire - breaks out in the Altadena area of LA.
And following this, the Hurst Fire ignites in LA's Sylmar area as the National Weather Service report gusts of 99mph. A new evacuation order goes out to those in the affected areas as the blazes rapidly spread, scorching and destroying thousands of acres that contain homes and businesses.
January 9
Prison inmates deployed to help fight fires
Hundreds of incarcerated men and women were deployed to help fight the growing wildfires, with the number of inmates at the frontline standing at 939, the BBC reports.
This practice isn't uncommon in California, as it is one of 14 US states that uses inmates to help fight fires. Inmates aren't forced to take part and do so on their own accord, with it being reported they are being paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day.
However, inmates with certain convictions - such as arson and sexual offences - aren't eligible to volunteer.
(David McNew/Getty Images)
January 10
Man arrested for arson
Three days on from the first fire igniting, the LAPD make an arrest after local residents claim that a man on a bike carrying a large blow torch had been trying to set bins and old Christmas trees on fire.
Authorities believe the Kenneth Fire was started intentionally, with the man believed to be responsible being held in custody.
Billion dollar energy company investigated over possible link to wildfires
Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of energy giant Edison International, admitted that its grid experienced a short circuit issue on January 7, the evening the first fires broke out.
"On January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting," Edison International said in a press release.
"SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately 10:10pm on 7 January, and preliminary information reflects the Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11pm. A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with the Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit. SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire."
A-list celebrities forced out of their homes
A number of celebrities have been forced to evacuate their homes, many of which have been destroyed. This includes the likes of Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy.
January 13
40,000 acres of land destroyed
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, more than 40,000 acres have been burned in the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth and Hurst fires.
Homes and businesses are among the more than 12,000 structures that have been destroyed.
January 14
LA mayor expedites rebuilding orders
Karen Bass, Los Angeles' mayor, issued an executive order on Monday evening 'will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities' destroyed by the wildfires.
Death toll rises
As of Jan 15, 25 people are confirmed to have lost their lives due do the fires.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
You can support those affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Topics: Wildfires, Los Angeles, News, US News, California
Niamh Shackleton