Fire activity in Los Angeles has decreased, and evacuation orders have been lifted following a fast-moving brush fire that broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued evacuation orders for parts of the celebrity-populated neighborhood shortly after 6 p.m. local time. The blaze, known as the Sunset Fire, had consumed at least 60 acres and was 0% contained as of 9:45 p.m. local time.
The majority of evacuation orders were lifted a few hours after being issued, with only a specific area remaining closed until Thursday morning to prevent any flare-ups. Residents were urged to be cautious upon returning to their homes, as firefighters continued to work in the neighborhoods. The Los Angeles Police Department deployed officers to assist with evacuation traffic, while the city of Beverly Hills closely monitored the situation and declared a voluntary evacuation zone in certain areas.
The fire, located near popular landmarks and tourist destinations, sparked concerns as it spread uphill, prompting evacuations at the Hollywood Bowl and Runyon Canyon hiking trails. Authorities urged residents to be prepared and gather important documents, family members, and pets. Efforts to contain the fire and ensure the safety of residents were ongoing, with emergency personnel working diligently to address the situation.
Gary Baseman, a 64-year-old artist from Los Angeles, was among a group of around two dozen individuals who gathered atop an eight-story parking structure at The Grove, an upscale outdoor shopping center in Los Angeles. Their purpose: to bear witness to the brush fires ravaging the Hollywood Hills. “I just needed to see for myself what’s going on,” Baseman shared.
Michael Carsh, residing just a mile away, observed the unfolding scene through binoculars. “I felt fairly secure, but now, witnessing this, it’s quite alarming. It seems like the fires are closing in on us,” Carsh, 49, remarked. Gesturing towards the vicinity lying between the parking structure and the fire, he expressed concern for friends residing in that area. “I have friends living there, and they are currently holding their ground. However, I’m prepared to offer them shelter.”
Dan Frieber, aged 39, who lives in an apartment roughly 20 blocks away from the brush fire, believed that the roof of the parking structure would offer a secure vantage point for observing the unfolding events. “Of all the fires, this one stands out. It has captured everyone’s attention now,” Frieber noted. “This is not to undermine the severity of the Palisades fire. Yet, this blaze holds a special place in the heart of L.A.”
Amidst the destructive blazes encompassing Southern California, questions arose regarding the origins of the wildfires wreaking havoc across the Los Angeles region.
(This article was updated with new information.)
This content was originally featured on USA TODAY: Iconic Los Angeles landmarks endangered by Hollywood Hills inferno.
