Evacuations took place on LA’s iconic Hollywood Boulevard as dangerous wildfires threaten the celebrity hotspot area.
LA’s Hollywood Boulevard evacuated as fire erupts
A raging wildfire has sparked a mass evacuation in Hollywood Hills, with the iconic Hollywood Boulevard in immediate danger.
As the Sunset Fire rages on, officials have ordered evacuations for tens of thousands of residents.
The fire’s rapid spread has already engulfed 50 acres near Runyon Canyon.
At least five people have tragically lost their lives, and 1,000 structures have been destroyed.
Thousands of Angelenos are left with nothing but ash in the wake of this devastating disaster.
The Hollywood boulevard evacuation order and its impact
The fire is now threatening Hollywood Boulevard, home to landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for the area, extending from Laurel Canyon Blvd to Mulholland Dr, down to the 101 Freeway, and south to Hollywood Blvd.
Witnesses report that the flames quickly exploded in size due to the area’s dense brush.
Firefighters are working tirelessly, using aerial water drops to control the blaze, but embers have already started to catch buildings on fire.
As of Wednesday evening, video footage captured a residential building engulfed in flames.
Mayor Karen Bass under scrutiny amid Wildfire crisis
Despite the devastation, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has not publicly commented on the wildfire crisis.
Critics have pointed to her decision to cut the LA Fire Department’s budget by $17.6 million in 2024 as a major misstep.
ABC 7 reporter Chris Christi, reporting from a helicopter above the fire, described the situation as “very concerning.”
He noted that the thick brush was intensifying the fire, which continues to spread rapidly. Crews are working in full force, but more resources are urgently needed to contain the blaze.
Traffic chaos and evacuation centers amid the wildfire threat
Hollywood High School has been set up as an evacuation center, but gridlocked traffic has created further chaos.
Residents fleeing the fire are stuck in traffic, triggering fears of a repeat of the panic seen in Pacific Palisades earlier this week. Many people were forced to abandon their cars, and bulldozers had to clear paths.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has warned residents to prepare for evacuation. Locals have been advised to pack important documents and gather family, children, and pets ahead of any mandatory orders.
The scale of destruction and ongoing wildfire threat
While several smaller fires across California are now contained, the Hollywood Hills blaze continues to spread. The Pacific Palisades area, home to many celebrities, was the first to be consumed by fire.
Hollywood Hills, however, is one of the most prestigious areas in Los Angeles, home to A-list stars such as Salma Hayek and Quentin Tarantino.
As the fire continues to burn, authorities are warning an additional 100,000 people to be prepared for evacuation. With unpredictable weather conditions and dry winds fueling the flames, fire crews are working around the clock to contain the wildfire.
Fire crews struggling to save homes and structures
Firefighters are facing overwhelming challenges.
Captain Kyle Alarid from the Palo Alto Fire Department stated that they are “triaging” homes, meaning they must choose which to save while many are lost. Despite the best efforts of the exhausted crews, the fire’s rapid spread makes it nearly impossible to save all structures.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for continued gusty winds and dry conditions, which will only exacerbate the situation in the coming days.
As the Hollywood Hills continues to burn, the devastation serves as a stark reminder of the fierce and unpredictable nature of wildfires.
In short, the city of Los Angeles, home to celebrities and millions of residents, faces an uncertain and perilous future as the fires rage on.