Raging wildfires surrounding Los Angeles escalated on Wednesday, spreading to the iconic Hollywood Hills. These infernos, driven by hurricane-force winds, have scorched thousands of acres, destroyed homes, and overwhelmed firefighting resources, prompting the evacuation of over 100,000 people.
The latest fire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, ignited in the Hollywood Hills and rapidly expanded to 20 acres, forcing authorities to issue evacuation orders for areas from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. The blaze threatened landmarks like the Dolby Theater, Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory.
Elsewhere, the Palisades Fire consumed 15,832 acres between Santa Monica and Malibu, making it one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history. On the city’s eastern side, the Eaton Fire burned 10,600 acres, claiming five lives and razing 1,000 structures. The combined devastation has left neighborhoods in smoldering ruins, with damage and economic loss estimated at over $50 billion by AccuWeather.
Kevin McGowan, Los Angeles County’s emergency management director, labeled the situation a “historic natural disaster.” Fire Chief Anthony Marrone echoed the strain on resources, highlighting the need for reinforcements from six states and additional firefighting crews from Northern California.
The fires’ intensity was exacerbated by water shortages. In Pacific Palisades, some hydrants ran dry as firefighting efforts stretched urban water systems to their limits. Despite challenges, city reservoirs were refilled by Wednesday afternoon.
Southern California’s vulnerability was heightened by months of dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds that fanned the flames. Scientists warn that such extreme weather events, fueled by climate change, may become more frequent.
President Joe Biden, grounded in Los Angeles due to high winds, joined Governor Gavin Newsom to assess the crisis. Biden declared a major disaster and pledged federal support, saying, “It’s going to be a long road to recovery.”
As red flag conditions persist, firefighting efforts continue, with officials racing against time to contain the wildfires and prevent further devastation.
