Log Angeles, 9 January 2025: Wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles County intensified Wednesday, spreading to the Hollywood Hills after already leaving five people dead, destroying hundreds of homes, and overwhelming firefighting resources.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 100,000 people as six major fires burned uncontrollably, fueled by dry terrain and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone called the situation unprecedented. “There aren’t enough firefighters in LA County to address four separate fires of this magnitude,” he said, adding that reinforcements were being deployed from six other states and Northern California.
Hollywood Hills Under Threat
A new fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening, forcing the evacuation of an area bounded by Hollywood Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, the 101 Freeway, and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. This region includes landmarks like the Dolby Theatre, where Oscar nominations were delayed, and the Walk of Fame.
Dubbed the “Sunset Fire,” the blaze quickly grew to 20 acres, Cal Fire reported. While the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory were not immediately endangered, officials warned the situation could escalate.
Devastation in the Pacific Palisades and San Gabriel Foothills
To the west, the Palisades Fire consumed 15,832 acres, reaching the Pacific Ocean and becoming one of LA’s most destructive wildfires. Aerial footage showed rows of smoldering homes punctuated by flames, with water shortages hampering firefighting in upscale neighborhoods.
“To fight a wildfire with urban water systems is an extreme challenge,” said Janisse Quinones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Reservoirs were fully replenished by late Wednesday, but the region remains on edge, officials said.
On the eastern side of the county, the Eaton Fire claimed 10,600 acres and over 1,000 structures. Five fatalities were confirmed. “The wind whipped up, the flames were 30 or 40 feet high, and explosions from gas canisters made it sound like a warzone,” Kevin Williams, an evacuee from Pasadena, told reporters.
California on Alert as President Pledges Support
President Joe Biden declared California a major disaster area during a briefing at a Santa Monica fire station. “We’re doing everything we can to contain these fires,” he said, addressing evacuees. Governor Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency Tuesday, described the blazes as “historic” and catastrophic.
More than a million homes and businesses are without power, schools are closed, and red-flag warnings remain in effect through Friday, forecasters said. With global temperatures rising, scientists warned that wildfires like these—erupting outside traditional fire seasons—could become the new normal for Southern California.
“This is a disaster of a magnitude we’ve never faced before,” Kevin McGowan, LA County’s emergency management director, said.
