Los Angeles is in the grip of a catastrophic wildfire crisis, with blazes sweeping through multiple neighborhoods, threatening both lives and iconic landmarks. Among the fires wreaking havoc is the newly ignited Sunset Fire, which broke out in Runyon Canyon near the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening.
The fire’s proximity to famed tourist destinations has raised alarms throughout the city.
The Sunset fire burning in the Hollywood Hills – YouTube, Fox 11 Los Angeles
The Sunset Fire erupted around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, sending flames dangerously close to cultural staples such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Magic Castle, and the Hollywood Bowl. The private magicians’ club, the Comedy Store, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel are among the landmarks under threat. Universal Studios Hollywood has closed for the second day in a row as the flames creep closer to it as well.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our community. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/W7FFB2Ip7d
— Hollywood Bowl (@HollywoodBowl) January 9, 2025
The Hollywood Bowl shared its evacuation efforts on X:
“Due to the Sunset Fire, we have received evacuation orders and all Hollywood Bowl staff have safely evacuated the premises. We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our community.”
While some evacuation orders were lifted late Wednesday night, areas north of Franklin Avenue remain closed as fire crews work to ensure the fire does not reignite in surrounding vegetation. Residents returning home were urged to exercise caution as firefighters continue operations.
If you live in the Hollywood hills you should probably evacuate if you haven’t already.
Problem is the Blvd is gridlocked from everyone leaving at once pic.twitter.com/Zd61S8VAPM
— Asset CΩwboy (🧊🫖) (@NotoriousIanV) January 9, 2025
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The Sunset Fire, which has consumed 60 to 100 acres as of late Wednesday night, prompted evacuation orders covering a wide swath of Hollywood, including areas from Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the 101 Freeway and Mulholland Drive to Hollywood Boulevard. Meanwhile, other fires across Los Angeles, including the Sunswept Fire in Studio City and several major blazes in Pacific Palisades, continue to devastate communities.
The Sunswept Fire began inside a Studio City home, quickly spreading to nearby houses and brush. Firefighters contained most of the blaze by 10 p.m., but the threat to neighborhoods persists.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: HOLLYWOOD HILLS EVACUATION ORDER INCLUDES DOLBY THEATER & HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Authorities have issued an evacuation order for the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.
The evacuation zone covers key landmarks, including the Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards,… https://t.co/vyg3n1u7S9 pic.twitter.com/E1looTATnm
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 9, 2025
The Hollywood fires began in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday morning, forcing the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents. So far, the fire has burned through 15,800 acres, leaving a staggering toll of destruction. In total, over 1,000 structures have been destroyed across Los Angeles County, and the death toll has climbed to five.
Among the homes destroyed are those of numerous celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, Eugene Levy, Anna Faris, and Diane Warren.
The National Weather Service warned that conditions remain critical:
“Critical fire weather will last through Friday for portions of LA and Ventura counties, including major wildfire locations such as the #PalisadesFire, the #EatonFire, and the #HurstFire. Gusty winds and very dry conditions will continue to fuel fire starts and existing fires.”
The Sunset Fire has drawn particular attention due to its proximity to Hollywood landmarks. Along with the Hollywood Bowl, the Magic Castle came perilously close to flames, though quick action by staff and firefighters reportedly kept it safe. Social media posts showed residents and fans anxiously monitoring the situation.
The famed Hollywood sign is not currently in danger as the blaze would have to cross over a freeway to reach it. Any images of the Hollywood sign ablaze are fake.
There’s an evacuation order in effect from the Hollywood Hills to Hollywood BLVD pic.twitter.com/ZupYGt08JQ
— TheÐogeGlory (@GloryDoge) January 9, 2025
Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking destination with sweeping views of Los Angeles, was also engulfed in flames. The area is a hotspot for both locals and tourists, often frequented by Hollywood stars.
Firefighters are currently battling six separate blazes across Los Angeles County, including the Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Woodley fires. With critical fire conditions expected to persist through Friday, residents remain on high alert, and first responders are working around the clock to protect lives and property from these Hollywood fires.
