New fire in Hollywood Hills, after Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Sylmar

The Hollywood Hills, renowned for their iconic vistas and celebrity homes, have become the latest hotspot in Southern California’s escalating wildfire crisis. The Sunset Fire, which erupted Wednesday evening near Runyon Canyon Park, has already scorched over 50 acres, prompting swift evacuation orders and a massive firefighting response.

A Night of Chaos in the Hills

Shortly after 6 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued mandatory evacuations for areas bounded by Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west, Mulholland Drive to the north, the 101 Freeway to the east, and Hollywood Boulevard to the south. Voluntary evacuation advisories extended to neighborhoods north of Sunset Boulevard, further straining local resources.

Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the urgency of the situation on social media, stating, “We are deploying all available resources to manage traffic, clear roads, and provide critical access for LAFD vehicles. Residents must heed evacuation orders immediately.”

The fire’s proximity to densely populated areas has caused traffic gridlocks as residents rushed to flee. Evacuation zones included portions of Beverly Hills, where officials have declared areas east of Coldwater Canyon Drive as voluntary evacuation zones.

Firefighters Battle on Multiple Fronts

Helicopters dropped water on the blaze’s southwestern perimeter throughout the night, focusing efforts on slowing the fire’s encroachment toward the Hollywood Bowl and nearby residential areas. Ground crews concentrated on containment lines along fire roads near Mulholland Drive.

Chief Kristin Crowley of the LAFD described the situation as “extremely dynamic” during an evening press briefing, highlighting the department’s ongoing struggle with multiple wildfires across Greater Los Angeles, including those in Studio City and Sylmar.

“The Sunset Fire is a top priority,” Crowley said. “Our teams are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure in this iconic area.”

Landmarks in Danger

The fire broke out near some of Los Angeles’ most cherished landmarks, including the world-famous Hollywood Sign and Runyon Canyon’s popular hiking trails. Video footage captured flames climbing hillsides while dense smoke blanketed the skyline, visible from neighborhoods miles away.

Nearby venues such as the TCL Chinese Theatre closed early as precautionary measures, while the historic Sunset Boulevard became a scene of chaos as fire engines navigated through bumper-to-bumper traffic. At The Grove, an upscale shopping center, residents gathered on rooftops to observe the inferno from a distance.

“It Feels Like We’re Surrounded”

Gary Baseman, a local artist, described the surreal experience of watching the fire from an elevated parking lot. “It’s heartbreaking to see such destruction in a place so many of us call home,” he said.

Michael Carsh, a resident who lives a mile from the blaze, expressed growing concern. “This fire feels different — like it’s everywhere at once. I’m keeping a room ready for friends who might need to evacuate,” he said.

A Broader Crisis

The Sunset Fire is one of several wildfires wreaking havoc across Southern California this week. As we reported earlier, fires in Pacific Palisades and Sylmar have already consumed over 1,100 structures and claimed multiple lives (link to previous article on Southern California fires). High winds and dry conditions continue to fuel these infernos, leaving fire crews stretched thin.

Cal Fire has warned that conditions remain critical, with red flag warnings extended across the region. Residents are advised to monitor updates from local authorities and prepare for potential evacuations.

Preparing for the Worst

For those in the affected zones, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department advises packing essential documents, medications, and supplies, as well as ensuring pets and children are accounted for. An evacuation center has been established at Pan Pacific Recreation Center, located at 7600 Beverly Blvd.

While the cause of the Sunset Fire remains under investigation, the region’s ongoing wildfire crisis underscores the need for vigilance and community preparedness.

A City on Edge

With flames inching closer to cultural landmarks and homes in the Hollywood Hills, the Sunset Fire has become a poignant symbol of Southern California’s struggle against an ever-worsening wildfire season. As firefighters battle to gain the upper hand, residents are left grappling with the unsettling reality of life in a fire-prone region.

For live updates on containment efforts and evacuation zones, stay tuned to LAFD announcements and local news outlets.