Wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, claiming at least five lives, destroying homes, and prompting mass evacuations. The blazes, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, have left over 137,000 residents displaced and caused significant damage to iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.
Sunset Fire Threatens Hollywood Landmarks
A new wildfire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, has erupted in the Hollywood Hills, spreading across 20 acres between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park. The fire poses a severe threat to the iconic Hollywood sign, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Mulholland Drive, extending south to Hollywood Boulevard, famous for its celebrity residences.
Expanding Crisis Across Southern California
Los Angeles and Ventura counties are battling six major wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, deemed the most destructive in the city’s history. Other fires, such as the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley and the Eaton Fire in Altadena, have forced evacuations. Smoke and dust advisories remain in place for over 17 million Southern California residents, with power outages affecting 1.5 million customers.
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JUST IN: The Hollywood Hills have caught on fire, triggering an evacuation order all the way down to Hollywood Boulevard.
Fire crews are thin at the moment due to them fighting the 16,000-acre Palisades Fire and 600-acre Eaton Fire.
“A Mandatory Evacuation Order is now in place… pic.twitter.com/IeMiQ5aI7n
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 9, 2025
Resource Shortages Hamper Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters face challenges, including water shortages that have led them to draw from swimming pools and ponds. In Pasadena, power outages hindered efforts to combat the Eaton Fire. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced SpaceX would provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas starting Thursday.
Celebrity Homes Lost Amid Growing Devastation
Several Hollywood celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton, have reportedly lost their homes. Other high-profile residents, such as Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, and Tom Hanks, remain in affected areas.
Political Criticism Escalates Amid Disaster
President-elect Donald Trump criticised President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom for inadequate wildfire management. Trump accused Biden of leaving insufficient resources and blamed Newsom for prioritizing environmental concerns over public safety.
Biden, however, signed a federal disaster declaration to provide funding for impacted individuals, while Newsom emphasized the extreme fire risks posed by the ongoing windstorm.
LA Mayor Karen Bass Faces Backlash for Absence
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass defended her absence during the crisis, as she was attending a presidential delegation in Ghana. Despite her return, Bass faced criticism for slashing over $17 million from the fire department’s budget last year.
State of Emergency Declared
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency following the Palisades Fire’s eruption, stressing the urgent need for resources and cautioning that the fire risk remains critical. Residents have been urged to prioritize safety and adhere to evacuation orders as the state battles to contain the wildfires.
