The Hollywood Hills erupted in flames on Thursday morning as Los Angeles faces its worst wildfires in history. The city is engulfed by a crescent of fire visible from space, with more than 100,000 residents forced to evacuate as hurricane-force winds spread the inferno. At least five lives have been lost since the fires began on Tuesday.
Fires Devastate Iconic Landmarks and Celebrity Homes
The blazes have destroyed homes of movie stars and celebrities, tearing through some of the world’s most prestigious neighborhoods and showbiz landmarks. The smaller Sunset Fire has engulfed areas near the Hollywood Hills, including Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, while the Palisades Fire has consumed 15,832 acres between Santa Monica and Malibu, destroying hundreds of structures.
Film star Billy Crystal and his wife Janice mourned the loss of their Pacific Palisades home, where they had lived since 1979. Paris Hilton expressed heartbreak after watching her Malibu beachfront property burn live on television. Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram:
“My community and possibly my home is on fire… Pray for those who are affected.”
Evacuations and Relief Efforts
Evacuation centers have been set up across Los Angeles County, sheltering thousands of displaced residents. In Westwood, community members rallied to provide blankets, food, and clothing for those seeking refuge. Volunteer Jeff Harris brought his food truck to offer meals, stating, “I’m just here to help.”
In Pasadena, evacuee Kevin Williams described the harrowing moments before fleeing:
“The wind whipped up, flames were 30 or 40 feet high, and gas canisters were exploding like a war zone.”
Smoldering Ruins and Expanding Fires
Aerial footage shows blocks of smoldering homes in Pacific Palisades, punctuated by the orange blaze of active fires. To the east, the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains has scorched 10,600 acres, destroyed 1,000 structures, and claimed additional lives.
Firefighting Challenges and Resource Strain
The sheer scale of the fires has stretched firefighting crews to their limits. Assistance has been called from six other U.S. states, with 250 additional engine companies and 1,000 personnel arriving from Northern California.
Water shortages have further complicated efforts, with some hydrants running dry in Pacific Palisades.
“We’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems. This is unprecedented,” said Janisse Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Impact on Infrastructure and Wildlife
Nearly 300,000 homes and businesses remain without power. Schools across Los Angeles County are closed until at least Thursday.
Large animals, including horses, alpacas, and pigs, found shelter at an equestrian center.
Jaye Riedinger, who evacuated with her mustang horses, shared:
“They could sense the fire. I had to guide them to safety.”
Red Flag Conditions Persist
Despite brief respite on Wednesday night, red flag warnings remain in effect through Friday as powerful Santa Ana winds fan the flames.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, cutting short an official trip to Ghana, described the fires as a historic disaster:
“This firestorm is the big one.”
As firefighters battle the infernos, Los Angeles faces a devastating test of resilience, with the iconic heartland of the film industry and the lives of its residents hanging in the balance.
