he devastating wildfires burning across Los Angeles have brought the flames perilously close to famous locations such as The Magic Castle, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and The Comedy Store. As the blazes continue to spread, the city braces for the potential loss of irreplaceable landmarks.
BY PC Bureau
Los Angeles remains under siege from two massive wildfires raging on either side of the city. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the blazes, which ignited two days ago, continue to burn fiercely. While smaller fires have shown some signs of containment, the situation remains critical as the flames encroach upon some of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks.
The Sunset Fire, now spanning approximately 43 acres, has erupted in the Hollywood Hills, placing the entertainment capital itself in imminent danger. This blaze is dangerously close to the Hollywood sign and threatens to engulf the Hollywood Bowl, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and other beloved landmarks.
Arde Los Ángeles…más de 200 mil evacuados por 4 incendios en los alrededores.
Impactante video muestra la furia del fuego junto a la autopista.
Vía ABC pic.twitter.com/U2KlofnHZ2— Enrique Galván Ochoa (@galvanochoa) December 7, 2017
On Los Angeles’ western and eastern flanks, the Palisades Fire, located between Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena have been the most destructive in the city’s history, burning nearly 28,000 acres — larger than the entire size of Disney World. The wildfires have already claimed at least five lives and incinerated thousands of structures.
Firefighters, assisted by helicopters dropping water and retardants, have managed to make headway on the Sunset Fire, which had forced mandatory evacuations in Hollywood and Hollywood Hills by Wednesday night. These included the evacuation of prominent show-business landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
🚨 Breathtaking Aerial Views of Los Angles Fire! 🚨
Just caught this unreal sight from 30,000 feet above the City of Angels! 🌃✈️ Los Angeles like you've never seen before! #LAFromAbove #TravelGoals #AerialViews #LosAngelesWildfires #LosAngeles #LosAngelesFire
🔥 Like,… pic.twitter.com/13pj8h6rbP— know the Unknown (@imurpartha) January 8, 2025
Despite progress, there are concerns the fire could still spread and threaten the Hollywood sign, the El Capitan Theatre, Madame Tussauds, the Magic Castle, and the Comedy Store. The Hollywood Bowl and Ovation Hollywood were also evacuated Wednesday night, and several businesses, including the TCL Chinese Theatre, have closed temporarily.
“We hit it hard and fast and mother nature was a little nicer to us today than she was yesterday,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott, referring to the progress made overnight in controlling the Sunset Fire. The fire has now been reduced to 43 acres from the 60 acres it originally spanned.
Meanwhile, across the city, more than 100,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. With high winds continuing to spread the flames across the dry, parched land, more fires are continuing to ravage the area. These fires are being fueled by low humidity levels, gusts of wind reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour, and dangerously dry conditions that have persisted for months. Red Flag warnings have been extended through Friday, with winds expected to remain high.
In upscale areas like Pacific Palisades, firefighters have faced water shortages, causing some hydrants to run dry. “We pushed the system to the extreme. We’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems,” Janisse Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said. Despite this, firefighters have remained focused on saving lives first and then moving to save structures where possible.
Residents have returned to find their homes and belongings reduced to ashes, with only brick chimneys left standing amid the charred ruins. “I had just come from my family home where my mother lives that was burned to a crisp… And then I came up to my home and – same thing. It’s completely dust,” said Oliver Allnatt, a resident of Pacific Palisades, talking to Reuters.
As the situation worsens, emergency shelters are being set up across the city to help displaced residents. Fleeing the flames, many Angelenos have sought refuge in shelters, where neighbors have come together to provide food, water, and clothing to those in need.
“This is a historic natural disaster,” said Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, as the scale of the destruction stretched firefighting crews to their limits. Firefighters from six other U.S. states are being called in to assist, while additional personnel are being moved from Northern California to reinforce efforts in Southern California.
The threat to Hollywood and surrounding areas continues to be dire, and authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders while they continue their fight against the flames.
