Media Wire Express Correspondent
A fierce wildfire swept through the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, leaving a trail of devastation in one of Los Angeles County’s most iconic neighborhoods.
At least five people have died, and more than 2,000 structures have been destroyed as the flames ravaged the area, fueled by high winds and dry vegetation.
The fire, now being called the Sunset Fire, ignited around 6:00 p.m. near the 2300 block of Solar Drive and quickly spread across 50 acres. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued almost immediately, forcing thousands of residents, including celebrities, to flee their homes. The fire’s rapid expansion overwhelmed firefighters, who worked tirelessly through the night to control the blaze.
“This is one of the most aggressive fires we’ve seen in recent memory,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ernest Montoya. “Our teams are doing everything they can to protect lives and property, but the weather is not on our side.”
Evacuations caused widespread chaos, with residents scrambling to escape traffic jams along Hollywood Boulevard and nearby streets. Many families sought refuge at emergency shelters set up across the county, while others anxiously awaited news about their homes.
Among the landmarks under threat are the Hollywood Bowl and the Chinese Theatre, both of which remain closed as a precaution. Fire crews are using helicopters to douse the flames from above, but containment remains minimal due to erratic winds.
This latest wildfire is part of a series of blazes that have scorched Southern California in the past week. Collectively, these fires have consumed more than 25,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced over 150,000 residents. Officials estimate the damage could reach $57 billion, making this one of the most destructive fire seasons in the region’s history.
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The National Weather Service has extended red flag warnings for Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday, signaling that fire conditions will remain dangerous. Gusty winds and low humidity are expected to persist, complicating firefighting efforts.
In response to the crisis, President Joe Biden has issued a federal emergency declaration to provide additional resources and aid. Local authorities are urging residents to adhere to evacuation orders and stay informed through official updates.
Schools in affected areas, including UCLA, have canceled classes, and numerous roads remain closed as crews battle the flames. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the Sunset Fire, though early reports suggest that human activity may be involved.
