As fierce winds sweep through Los Angeles County, multiple wildfires have erupted, forcing over 100,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Among the most dangerous is the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood Fire, which continues to rage and threaten neighborhoods. This article provides the latest updates on these devastating fires and their impact on the community.
Hollywood Hills Fire: A Dangerous New Threat
On Wednesday evening, a brush fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills near Solar Drive at around 6:04 p.m. Within hours, the Hollywood Fire scorched 60 acres, spreading rapidly between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park. With wind speeds of 25 mph, firefighters warn that the fire could spread further.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas:
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Laurel Canyon Blvd (east)
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Mulholland Dr (south)
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101 Freeway (west)
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Hollywood Blvd (north)
An evacuation center has been established at Pan Pacific Recreation Center (7600 Beverly Blvd) to shelter displaced residents.
Margaret Stewart, a public information officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department, emphasized the urgency of evacuating, stating, “This is a dangerous situation, and we want residents to leave now.” Currently, over 150 firefighters, supported by helicopters, are battling the flames.
Other Major Fires Burning Across Los Angeles County
The Hollywood Hills Fire is one of several devastating wildfires burning in the region. Here’s a look at others wreaking havoc:
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Altadena and Pasadena Fire
A fast-moving brush fire near Eaton Canyon began on Tuesday evening and has claimed five lives while injuring many others. Evacuation orders remain in place as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames. -
Palisades Fire
Breaking out in the Santa Monica Mountains on Tuesday morning, the Palisades Fire has destroyed numerous structures, including beloved local businesses like the Reel Inn. Strong winds have driven the fire, forcing hundreds to evacuate. -
Sylmar Fire
A fire near Olive View Medical Center in Sylmar ignited late Tuesday, quickly spreading to 100 acres. Evacuations were ordered for areas north of the 210 Freeway as flames threatened nearby homes. -
Lidia Fire
The Lidia Fire, which started Wednesday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest, has been partially contained. Soledad Canyon Road remains closed, and investigations into the cause are ongoing. -
Woodley Fire
This fire erupted near North Woodley Avenue and the Sepulveda Basin early Wednesday morning. Fire crews are actively working to contain the flames and prevent the fire from crossing Burbank Boulevard. -
Tyler Fire (Riverside County)
Although contained to 15 acres, the Tyler Fire in Coachella serves as a stark reminder of the region's susceptibility to wildfire outbreaks.
The Impact of the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood Fire
The Hollywood Fire has caused widespread destruction, with an unknown number of homes and businesses already reduced to ash. As high winds and dry conditions persist, the situation remains dire. While the worst of the Santa Ana winds has passed, critical fire weather is expected to continue until Friday evening.
How to Stay Safe During the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood Fire
Residents in evacuation zones are urged to leave immediately and stay informed through the following resources:
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CalFire Incident Page
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Angeles National Forest X Account
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Latest Evacuation Maps
Emergency responders continue to emphasize the importance of heeding evacuation orders to ensure personal safety.
Conclusion
The Hollywood Hills and Hollywood Fire highlights the devastating power of wildfires fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. As Los Angeles battles multiple blazes, residents are urged to prioritize safety and stay updated on evacuation orders.