Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills: evacuation, threats to landmarks, and firefighting efforts
The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills has forced residents to evacuate, closed tourist attractions, and endangered iconic Los Angeles landmarks.
On the evening of Wednesday, January 8, a fire named Sunset Fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The fire started around 5:30 PM and spread quickly, covering an area from Laurel Canyon Boulevard to Highway 101. By 9:00 PM, 60 to 100 acres had burned, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders.
The fire threatens key Los Angeles landmarks, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the famous Hollywood Bowl. According to the Bowl's management, staff were promptly evacuated, and firefighters are working to contain the blaze.
“We are grateful to the firefighters for their heroism in protecting our community,” Hollywood Bowl representatives posted on social media.
The fire also indirectly affected the iconic Magic Castle club and restaurant. Flames approached the club’s grounds, but thanks to the efforts of firefighters and volunteers, the structure remained intact.
Late in the evening, the Los Angeles Fire Department partially lifted evacuation orders. However, the area north of Franklin Avenue between Camino Palmero and Sierra Bonita remains closed until the fire is fully extinguished.
Simultaneously, another fire, the Sunswept Fire, erupted in the Studio City area, destroying several homes.
Currently, six major fires are raging across Los Angeles County, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Over 1,000 structures have been damaged, and fatalities have been reported. Among the affected properties are mansions belonging to celebrities, including Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore.
Additionally, homes of famous Hollywood celebrities, such as actor Anthony Hopkins and Paris Hilton, were destroyed by the flames.
Hopkins’ mansion, purchased in 2021 for $6 million, was completely burned, as reported by Page Six. The Pacific Palisades property was reduced to charred remains.
Hilton's mansion was also destroyed, according to TMZ.
Strong winds with gusts exceeding 100 mph and dry weather have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. Over 30,000 people have been evacuated from the Hollywood area.
Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 1,000 structures damaged and at least five fatalities. The financial loss has already exceeded $50 billion. U.S. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster to expedite assistance for affected residents.
Earlier reports noted that hurricane-force winds of up to 100 mph triggered destructive wildfires in Southern California, forcing thousands to evacuate. Tens of thousands of homes remain at risk as firefighting efforts continue.
It was also reported that a 7.3-magnitude earthquake off the California coast caused a tsunami warning and emergency measures. Thousands of people were affected, and rescue operations are underway.