'Just happy to be alive': Black Country expat tells how his home has been devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires
A Black Country ex-pat who has lost his house in the 'devastating' wildfires which have killed 16 people in California said he and his family will have to start again.
But Wordsley born scientist Warren Skidmore, who has lived in the US since 2002 after emigrating with his wife Isabelle has spoken of the 'tremendous support' the family have received from around the world.
The 54-year-old lives in Altadena, close to Eaton Canyon where the first fires started before they spread across the valley, causing mass destruction and devastation.
The family home where he lives with Isabelle who he met at Keele University and their two daughters Hannah, aged 18 and Tessa, aged 16 is now just a shell after the fire took hold.
Warren, who is part of a team building a 30 feet telescope, first took refuge with his family in his office in the nearby town of Pasadena on Wednesday when they were evacuated.
Now they are living in an Airbnb which Warren says is taking time to get used to but he is just happy his family is alive.
A gofundme page set up by colleague Frank Munoz has raised almost $50,000 in less than a week and he has received support and messages from friends and work-mates worldwide including from India, Japan and China.
He said: "It has obviously escalated to a massive degree because on Tuesday we were looking down into the canyon at a distant fire.
"By Wednesday we were evacuated and staying in my office with other people working on the project.
"Now we are in temporary accommodation and thankful to have a roof over our heads but it is awful disruption for the girls to their schooling and college.
"The other day I was in a supermarket buying some lettuce and then realised I didn't have a bowl to put it in and I just burst into tears - something simple like that triggered it.
"The insurance company have been great, very helpful, there have been food drives for those affected and everyone has rallied round to help the community.
"Of course we are touched by the fundraiser as well started by Frank but supported by people from around the world, including from back home."
Warren was planning a trip back to Wordsley for the birthday of his father Jim who is 91 next month and lives with his mother Mary who is 88.
He said: "It will be a bit difficult probably but it is too early to say whether we will make it.
"We have made regular visits back, but living so far away, time spent with them is precious.
"I have spoken to mum, dad isn't in the best of health, but the overriding emotion is of relief that we are all safe and we are luckier than some."
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