- Hollywood Hills evacuated as LA fire spreads
- Officials have declared the area legally closed to the public
- Hollywood Hills fire spreading rapidly
Hollywood Hills evacuated as LA fire spreads
Residents in the Hollywood Hills have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires continue to tear through Los Angeles, posing an “immediate threat to life,” according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Officials have declared the area legally closed to the public.
At least five wildfires are burning across the city, claiming the lives of five people and forcing over 130,000 residents to flee their homes. Among the properties destroyed are those belonging to celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal.
The first fire started on Tuesday in Pacific Palisades near Malibu. Since then, fires have ignited in several areas across northern Los Angeles.
As of 8:15 PM local time (4:00 AM GMT), four fires—located in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Sylmar, and Hollywood Hills—have scorched over 27,000 acres (42 square miles or 109 square kilometres) and remain completely uncontained. While progress has been made elsewhere, with one fire in Acton partially contained and two others fully extinguished, the Hollywood Hills fire continues to spread rapidly.
The Hollywood Hills fire broke out around 6:00 PM Wednesday, sending thick smoke across much of the area. By nightfall, the heart of Hollywood was shrouded in smoke, and the iconic palm trees lining its streets were barely visible.
Authorities are urging everyone in the affected areas to evacuate immediately and to stay alert for updates as firefighters work to bring the situation under control.