Hollywood Hills fire forces more evacuations, with 27K acres scorched across Los Angeles County
A fifth wildfire broke out in Los Angeles County on Wednesday night, adding to the chaos as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes that have already consumed a staggering 27,000 acres of land – an area nearly the size of San Francisco.
The Sunset Fire ignited in the Hollywood Hills above Hollywood Boulevard, close to Runyon Canyon, posing a threat to popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles, including the iconic Hollywood sign. As the fire raged on, the streets around the Hollywood Walk of Fame were bustling with activity, with some people evacuating hotels with suitcases in tow, while others moved towards the flames to capture the devastation on their phones. The sound of sirens filled the air as helicopters flew low to douse the flames with water.
This latest fire comes amidst a series of wildfires in Los Angeles and neighboring areas, including the Palisades Fire, the Hurst Fire, the Lidia Fire, and the Eaton Fire, which tragically claimed the lives of five individuals. Evacuation orders have impacted at least 130,000 people.
Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott credited the quick and aggressive response of firefighters for keeping the Hollywood Hills fire in check, along with more favorable weather conditions. However, the firefighters continue to battle intense winds that are fueling the flames.
The Palisades and Eaton fires have already destroyed nearly 2,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Captain Sheila Kelliher described the scene as dramatic and apocalyptic, with winds reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
As firefighters grapple with the challenging conditions, the forecast predicts wind gusts of up to 55 mph in the region. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire remain uncontained, while the Hurst Fire is 10% contained and the Lidia Fire is 40% contained.
Governor Gavin Newsom disclosed that over 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground battling the multiple blazes, which have collectively consumed approximately 42 square miles of land. A Red Flag Warning is currently in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, signaling the potential for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.
As the wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, residents and authorities remain on high alert, working tirelessly to contain the flames and protect lives and property. The resilience and dedication of firefighters and emergency responders are crucial in the ongoing battle against the devastating wildfires.
