Wildfires have threatened to engulf parts of Hollywood as a series of fast-moving blazes rage across Los Angeles, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and claiming at least five lives. The powerful winds have fueled the flames, destroying 1,500 structures, including many multi-million dollar homes, in a devastating crisis that one estimate suggests could cost over $50 billion.
More than 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from at least five different fire fronts, including one dangerously close to historic Hollywood, just a few hundred meters from the famous theaters on Hollywood Boulevard.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that his teams are struggling to manage the scale and speed of the fires. “We’re doing the best we can, but no, we don’t have enough fire personnel in LA County across all departments to handle this,” he said.
As the fires spread, embers were carried up to 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), igniting new blazes, including one that destroyed a large property in the densely populated Studio City area late Wednesday. Adam Vangerpen from the Los Angeles County Fire Department expressed concern, stating that crews were working hard to prevent the new fire from spreading further. “It’s a four-story home… the winds have picked up again, so we are seeing ember casting. Our hope is to hit it hard and prevent it from spreading into the brush, as that is a major concern with the winds in the hills.”
Millions of residents in Los Angeles have watched in horror as wildfires erupted around the city, causing widespread panic. A fire in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening led to evacuations in parts of the historic district, while firefighters worked from the air to control the blaze. The sudden eruption of the fire caused major traffic gridlock in Hollywood, complicating the evacuation efforts for residents of the area, which includes both luxury homes and rent-controlled apartments.
Sharon Ibarra, 29, described rushing into Hollywood to help her boss, who had two young children, after hearing about the fire. “I just wanted to make sure I could help,” she said.
