Charlize Theron had a lucky escape when an umbrella burst into flames during a photo shoot.
The Oscar-winning actress - wearing a highly flammable red gown decorated with feathers - tried to help put out the fire, but was told to keep back for her own safety.
Photographer Robert Ascroft revealed to Parade magazine: "During the first setup at the shoot, the make-up artist started screaming, 'Fire!' We all looked over and a huge umbrella was on fire and pieces of it were falling onto the ground. We had just moved the fire extinguisher from the back of the previous shot we set up, so we knew exactly where it was located."
"Charlize, wearing a big red dress with feathers, began moving towards the fire as if she was going to help put it out, but I insisted she stay back. My assistants put out the fire and everyone was safe. What a way to start the first shot though! We joked that I had to bring up the intensity for our second shoot together!"
After the Los Angeles photo shoot, Charlize - who lives with Irish actor boyfriend Stuart Townsend - lunched at the Chateau Marmont hotel. The 32-year-old blonde declared, "I'M starved", before tucking into a steak and salad. | 
