A massive wildfire that broke out in Hollywood Hills is spreading rapidly, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for the area. The wildfires have caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles, with California fire chief David Acuna reporting “zero progress” in containing the flames due to high winds and dry conditions.
According to Chief Acuna, wind speeds ranging from 60-100 mph (95-160 km/h) have fueled the fire since its outbreak, making firefighting efforts extremely challenging. Although winds have now reduced to 30 mph, they remain a significant threat, especially in open areas where the fire can spread quickly.
Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire as it burns multiple structures in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles
Scale of Destruction
As of now, five separate wildfires are burning across Los Angeles, including in areas such as the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Sylmar, and Hollywood Hills. Combined, these fires have engulfed over 27,000 acres and remain largely uncontained. Tragically, five lives have been lost, and more than 130,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
Even high-profile neighborhoods have not been spared, with homes belonging to celebrities like Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal destroyed. The first fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades near Malibu on Tuesday, followed by others across northern Los Angeles.
Chaos in Hollywood
The fire in Hollywood Hills began at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Within hours, the heart of Hollywood was shrouded in thick smoke, and the flames came dangerously close to residential areas. Residents scrambled to evacuate, with some dressed in pajamas as they hurriedly packed essentials. Roads, including the famous Hollywood Boulevard, were clogged with traffic, adding to the chaos.
Local resident Anna Waldman shared her experience with the BBC, recounting how she smelled smoke while walking her dog and soon saw flames moving rapidly toward her home. She packed food, clothes, and supplies for her dogs before leaving.
Another evacuee, Makayla Jackson, and her two-year-old son, Ramari, were evacuated from a nearby homeless shelter. Standing on the street, she described the sudden urgency of the situation: “They just told us to get out and go.”
Widespread Destruction
Reports from the LA Times describe Sunset Boulevard, a landmark in West Hollywood, as lying in ruins. Local businesses, including banks, cafes, and supermarkets, were completely destroyed. While the Erewhon supermarket chain managed to survive, much of the surrounding area has been leveled. “The whole town is done,” said store director Michael Payton, describing the devastation in the Palisades.
Challenges for Firefighters
Firefighters have faced significant challenges in battling the blazes, including water shortages. Despite three one-million-gallon tanks being full before the fires started, the elevation of the affected areas made it difficult for water to reach hydrants. Los Angeles’ firefighting systems, designed for urban use, are not equipped to handle wildfires of this scale.
The Hollywood Hills fire has become one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. As firefighters continue their battle, the incident highlights the need for better preparedness and more robust systems to prevent such devastating wildfires in the future.
