New Wildfire Erupted In Hollywood Hills And Is Growing At A Rapid Rate Of Speed!
Wildfires are an unfortunate challenge that people in California and Los Angeles are facing even now. On January 8, 2025, a brush fire erupted on Solar Drive in the Hollywood Hills, dangerously close to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Known as the “Sunset Fire,” this blaze has grown alarmingly fast. Within just an hour the fire has covered over 60 acres. The fire took place near Runyon Canyon is located next to a densely populated area of apartments, condos, and homes at the base of the Hollywood Hills.
According to the latest reports the evacuation orders are officially lifted. This update comes as a relief to residents and marks significant progress in controlling the blaze. Check for more updates below. (This news is being updated with live and recent updates)
A local firefighter stated, “This is one of the fastest-moving fires we’ve seen in this area in years. Every minute counts.”
Hollywood Evacuation Orders Officially Lifted
On Thursday morning, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the evacuation orders for Hollywood, previously threatened by the Sunset Fire, have officially been lifted. The update comes as a relief to residents and marks significant progress in controlling the blaze.
“Winds have allowed for air operations, and that has enabled significant progress in Hollywood and Studio City last night. As of 7:30 this morning, evacuation orders in Hollywood have been lifted.” Mayor Bass said in a statement
Bass also commended the community’s collective effort during the crisis. “Angelenos cooperated, the community stood together, they evacuated, and Angelenos should continue to proceed with caution,” she emphasized, urging residents to remain vigilant as fire crews continue their operations in the area.
Overview of the “Sunset Fire”
The Sunset Fire began around 5 PM in the 2300 block of North Solar Drive, a scenic area nestled between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park. The location’s proximity to residential neighborhoods and popular tourist destinations immediately caused concern.
“We understand this is a heavily populated area, this is not a time to delay. We need people to swiftly and calmly exit the area and head south.” Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart told KABC-TV.
The fire initially covered 10 acres, but within an hour, it expanded to 20 acres, doubling in size due to strong winds and dry conditions. Witnesses reported seeing thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, visible from as far as downtown Los Angeles. Local tourists and residents posted photos and videos on social media, showing the fast-approaching flames, which added to the widespread panic.
“This isn’t just a fire—it’s a potential disaster,” one resident commented on Twitter. The resident shared a video of smoke moving closer to their neighborhood.
The Sunset Fire: A New Threat in Hollywood Hills
Key Areas Affected
The fire has rapidly moved toward heavily populated areas, including:
- Curson Avenue, Curson Place, and Curson Terrace: Residents here were among the first to be warned. As of now, they remain on high alert.
- Hollywood Bowl and Hollywood Boulevard: The fire is advancing southward and has come dangerously close to one of Los Angeles’ busiest streets. Hollywood Boulevard is home to tourist attractions like the Walk of Fame and historic theaters.
- Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds: Streets around these landmarks were gridlocked as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.
Evacuation and Safety Advisories
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for:
- West: Laurel Canyon Boulevard
- North: Mulholland Drive
- East: The 101 Freeway
- South: Hollywood Boulevard
An evacuation is established at Hollywood High School. Officials advised residents to “head south” to safety. Emergency personnel are working tirelessly to assist those with limited mobility or special needs. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has warned that the fire poses an “imminent danger” to structures near Franklin Avenue. LAFD also emphasized the urgency, particularly for individuals with pets or those needing extra time to leave. Residents with pets are also advised to leave early to avoid further complications.
“It is Chaotic,” Says Sunset Fire Evacuee as Residents Flee Hollywood Hills
As the Sunset Fire rages on, residents of Hollywood Hills are experiencing moments of chaos and uncertainty. Scott Dill, a local evacuee, described the scene to CNN on Wednesday night as “chaotic,” with traffic jammed by a mix of fire trucks, police vehicles, and residents scrambling to escape.
Dill shared videos taken on Sunset Boulevard, showing long lines of cars leaving the area while bright orange flames lit up the night sky. First responders could be seen rushing to the scene, with helicopters and aircraft dropping water to combat the flames.
“We could see flames and smoke from our building,” Dill said, noting that he and his neighbors evacuated before receiving official alerts on their phones. Dill is now sheltering at a friend’s house, but he recalled the tense moments leading up to his evacuation.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the urgency of the situation, posting on social media, “We are deploying LAPD officers to respond to Hollywood to help alleviate evacuation traffic. We are working urgently to close roads, redirect traffic, and expand access for LAFD vehicles to respond to the growing fire.”
The affected area includes several iconic tourist attractions, such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and a portion of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, adding to the challenges of managing both visitors and residents during this emergency.
This chaotic evacuation underscores the rapidly evolving dangers posed by the Sunset Fire, as officials and residents work tirelessly to navigate the crisis.
Hollywood Feels the Impact of Devastating Fires
As the fires rage across Los Angeles, the Hollywood community is reeling from personal losses and widespread disruptions. Many prominent figures have been directly affected, and numerous productions have been forced to shut down amid the crisis.
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal, singer Mandy Moore, actor Anna Faris, and TV host Ricki Lake are among the celebrities who have suffered losses, with some losing their homes entirely. Celebrity chef Sandra Lee also confirmed that her house was destroyed by the disaster.
In a heartbreaking moment, Paris Hilton shared on Instagram that she watched her Malibu home burn on live television, writing that it was “something no one should ever have to experience.” Meanwhile, actors James Woods and Steve Guttenberg recounted their emotional challenges navigating the fires in their neighborhoods during interviews with CNN on Wednesday.
Heartbroken beyond words 💔 Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.😢 This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps… pic.twitter.com/aeJAgJrymA
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) January 9, 2025
The fires have also disrupted the entertainment industry, halting the production of several major shows, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Hacks,” “Suits L.A.,” “NCIS,” and “The Price Is Right,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. High winds, smoke, and proximity to the fires have made filming impossible in many areas.
Even the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been forced to adjust its schedule, delaying the announcement of Oscars nominations and extending the voting window. The decision aims to give displaced Academy members more time to cast their ballots during this challenging period.
Factors Driving the Fire’s Rapid Spread
Weather Conditions
The fire is fueled by:
- Heavy north winds blowing at 8–15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.
- Dry weather conditions and high temperatures, creating a perfect storm for wildfire susceptibility.
Geography of the Region
The Hollywood Hills’ dense brush and steep terrain have made the fire challenging to contain. The area’s mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial zones increases the potential risk to both lives and properties.
Traffic and Emergency Response Challenges
The fire has also caused severe traffic issues:
- As residents evacuate, the streets are fighting the traffic jams. Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Crescent Heights Boulevard is now closed to vehicles.
- Emergency response teams, including LAFD water-dropping helicopters and ground crews, faced difficulties navigating the crowded streets.
As one onlooker noted, “The sirens and helicopters were constant—it was chaos.”
Los Angeles County Under Fire
Overview of Concurrent Wildfires
The Sunset Fire is part of a larger crisis affecting Los Angeles County, which is currently battling multiple wildfires, including:
- Palisades Fire
- Eaton Fire
- Hurst Fire
- Woodley Fire
These fires have collectively displaced residents, caused property damage, and disrupted daily life across the region.
Impact on Hollywood Events
- Numerous events are canceled or postponed due to safety concerns.
- Local businesses and the tourism industry have suffered as visitors avoid the area.
Southern California’s wildfire frequency and intensity underscore the region’s vulnerability, particularly during dry and windy conditions.
Emergency Measures and Community Solidarity
LAFD Response and Safety Measures
The LAFD has responded swiftly with helicopters and ground crews, urging residents to evacuate promptly. Officials stressed that “time is of the essence” as the fire threatens structures near Franklin Avenue.
Residents fleeing the fire described harrowing experiences, with one individual stating, “I grabbed what I could and ran. The smoke was already too close.”
Conclusion
The Sunset Fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers wildfires pose to urban areas, especially in regions like Los Angeles prone to dry conditions and high winds. While the resilience of affected communities and the quick action of first responders are commendable, the incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive fire management strategies and infrastructure upgrades.
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