Southern California Fires Spread to Hollywood Hills, Forcing Evacuations

Massive Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles County, Forcing Evacuations and Destroying Homes

Los Angeles, CA – Nearly 30,000 acres of Los Angeles County remain ablaze as firefighters battle to contain a series of deadly wildfires that have forced mass evacuations, destroyed homes, and claimed at least five lives.

Fires Spread Rapidly, Forcing Evacuations

As of early Thursday, the Eaton and Palisades fires continue to wreak havoc, burning 10,600 and over 17,000 acres, respectively. A new wildfire, the Sunset Fire, erupted late Wednesday, encroaching on the Hollywood Hills and triggering mandatory evacuations in iconic areas such as Mulholland Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, and Runyon Canyon Park.

While evacuation orders for most affected areas were lifted by Thursday morning, aerial footage revealed widespread devastation, with homes burned to the ground and flames visible as far as the Pacific Ocean.

Lives Disrupted

Over 130,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate or prepare for potential evacuation, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. Cheryl Heuton, a Pasadena resident, described fleeing her home with just essentials: “We left with toothbrushes, laptops, and some old stuffed animals. It’s heartbreaking.”

Although Heuton's house survived with a damaged backyard, others were less fortunate. Emily Kovner Moss shared that her home, along with her entire block, had been completely destroyed.

Containment Efforts and Fire Risks

The National Weather Service has warned that critical fire risks remain due to high winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity. Firefighters have managed to contain two smaller fires, the Lidia Fire (40% containment) and the Woodley Fire (fully contained), according to Cal Fire.

Evacuation orders have been issued where fires pose an immediate threat to life, while warnings have urged residents with pets, livestock, or mobility challenges to prepare for early departure.

Emergency Responses Across All Levels

Governor Gavin Newsom reported that over 7,500 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are combating the fires using helicopters, water tenders, air tankers, and bulldozers. Mayor Karen Bass has urged residents to conserve water and assured that traffic control measures are being implemented to facilitate firefighting efforts.

“We’re urgently redirecting traffic, closing roads, and expanding access for emergency responders,” said Bass, who returned to Los Angeles Wednesday after a diplomatic trip to Ghana.

Impact on Schools and Community

The Los Angeles Unified School District has closed all schools for Thursday due to hazardous conditions. Two elementary schools in Los Angeles and five schools in Pasadena sustained damage, with Pasadena schools closing for the remainder of the week.

“The combination of wind, fire, and smoke has created dangerous and complex conditions, making it unsafe for our school communities,” the district stated.

Federal Aid on the Way

President Biden has declared the fires a major disaster, unlocking federal funding for affected residents. This aid includes grants for temporary housing, low-cost loans to cover uninsured losses, and other assistance programs to help individuals and businesses recover.

Looking Ahead

As firefighters work tirelessly to gain control of the blazes, residents face uncertainty about their homes and communities. The full extent of the damage remains to be seen, but the resilience and coordination of emergency teams and volunteers give hope in the face of this disaster.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.