Wildfires in various parts of Los Angeles, USA, have also spread to Hollywood Hills. On Wednesday evening, as the fire reached the area, residents were evacuated to safe shelters.
So far, the wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed the lives of five people and destroyed hundreds of homes.
The fire, which began on Tuesday, has already burned through thousands of acres. Strong winds are causing the flames to spread rapidly. Over 100,000 people in the affected areas have been instructed to evacuate to safety.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was on a visit to Ghana, cut her trip short and returned to Los Angeles upon hearing about the wildfires. After returning, she addressed a press conference, saying, “This is a massive firestorm.”
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley stated at a press conference that the wildfire, which spread anew in Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening, forced more people to evacuate. She added that at least six locations in Los Angeles County, including Hollywood Hills, are affected by the wildfires.
California state authorities reported that out of the six wildfire locations, four are completely out of control.
This wildfire in Los Angeles is being referred to as the “Sunset Fire.” According to California’s Fire Service Department, the blaze has already burned 50 acres in Hollywood Hills as of Wednesday.
Firefighters are making every effort to control the flames, with some working on the ground and others using helicopters to attack the fire from above.
Residents living south of Hollywood Boulevard, north of Mulholland Drive, east of the 101 Freeway, and west of Laurel Canyon Boulevard have been instructed to evacuate to safe shelters. These areas are significant to the entertainment industry, as they include iconic locations like the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held.
The Oscars organizers have announced that due to the wildfire, the nomination events have already been postponed by two days.
Although smaller in scale, flames from the wildfire are visible over Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. If the fire crosses the 101 Freeway, landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory could be at risk.
Live television footage has shown two nearby houses on fire, with the wildfire spreading around Studio City.
However, Los Angeles Fire Service authorities have stated that over 50 firefighters worked together to extinguish the flames. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries or casualties in this incident.
