Mandatory evacuations have been issued in the Hollywood Hills as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles. High winds and dry conditions have fueled the blazes, with officials warning of an “immediate threat to life.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reports that more than 130,000 people have been evacuated, and homes in celebrity neighborhoods have been destroyed. Among those affected are Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal, whose properties were consumed by the flames.
The fires, which began on Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, have now spread across 27,000 acres in areas including Pasadena, Sylmar, and Hollywood Hills. Despite the efforts of over 1,400 firefighters, containment remains at 0% due to strong winds that have slowed only slightly from their peak of 100 mph.
Residents are fleeing with whatever they can carry. Anna Waldman, who lives in Hollywood Hills, recounted grabbing her three dogs and essentials as flames approached her home. “I can’t believe this,” she said, visibly shaken.
Firefighters face additional challenges, including water shortages. The city’s systems, designed for urban use, are struggling to deliver water to higher-elevation areas affected by the fires. Emergency teams have resorted to using swimming pools and ponds as water sources.
The fires, including the Palisades blaze—now the most destructive in LA’s history—have turned parts of the city into scenes of chaos. Gridlocked streets, residents fleeing in pajamas, and smoke-filled skies underscore the severity of the crisis.
Officials are urging residents to remain alert as conditions remain volatile, with the Hollywood Hills fire threatening iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood sign.
