Wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have escalated into a full-blown crisis, spreading to the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening and prompting the evacuation of over 100,000 residents. The fires, fueled by hurricane-force winds and an extended drought, have left at least five dead, destroyed hundreds of homes, and pushed firefighting resources and water supplies to their breaking points.
“This firestorm is the big one,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared during a press conference after cutting short an official trip to Ghana to oversee emergency operations.
The newly ignited "Sunset Fire" in the Hollywood Hills has scorched 50 acres (20 hectares) near the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite intense efforts by helicopter and ground crews, the blaze remains uncontained. An evacuation order now encompasses a swath of Hollywood, including areas near the Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars. Organizers have postponed the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations due to the fires.
Further west, the Palisades Fire has consumed 15,832 acres (6,406 hectares) and destroyed numerous structures, including a home reportedly belonging to Hollywood actors Leighton Meester and Adam Brody. Aerial footage revealed blocks of charred residences, with sporadic orange flames still consuming buildings.
To the east, the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel foothills has burned 10,600 acres (4,289 hectares), destroyed 1,000 structures, and caused the majority of reported fatalities.
Firefighting teams are grappling with water shortages and stretched manpower. Firefighters from six states are being deployed to aid California crews, alongside additional resources redirected from Northern California. However, water systems in Pacific Palisades reached critical lows as hydrants ran dry. Efforts to refill tanks and reservoirs have restored supplies, but officials warned of ongoing challenges.
"We pushed the system to the extreme," said Janisse Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Nearly 300,000 homes remain without power, and schools across the county will remain closed until at least Thursday.
Evacuation centers have opened across Los Angeles, providing refuge for residents and animals alike. Horses, alpacas, and even pigs were transported to safety at equestrian centers. “I think they sense the fire,” said Jaye Riedinger, who evacuated her Topanga home with her mustang horses.
Looting has added to the crisis, with three arrests reported. AccuWeather estimates the total economic loss at more than $50 billion, marking the event as one of the most devastating natural disasters in Los Angeles history.
President Joe Biden declared the wildfires a major disaster, canceling an upcoming trip to Italy to focus on federal relief efforts. Meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom at a Santa Monica fire station, Biden emphasized the importance of swift action.
Red flag warnings remain in place as powerful Santa Ana winds continue to fan the flames. Officials expect dangerous conditions to persist through Friday.
“We’re facing a historic natural disaster,” said Kevin McGowan, Los Angeles County's emergency management director. “This battle is far from over.”
As the fires rage, the city braces for what could become one of the most destructive wildfire events in its history.