Sunset Fire Near Hollywood Sign Forces Evacuations as Blaze Grows to 50 Acres

Jan 9, 2025, 02:54 AM

A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, erupted in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon on Wednesday evening, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the area. The fire started around 5:45 p.m. on Solar Drive and quickly grew to over 50 acres, threatening iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Dolby Theatre—home of the Academy Awards—and the Hollywood Bowl. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued evacuation orders for the area 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. Officials described the blaze as "very dangerous and explosive" as it advanced toward densely populated areas, including Runyon Canyon Park. At least two structures have caught fire. Traffic gridlock was reported as residents attempted to evacuate, with major roads like Hollywood Boulevard experiencing significant congestion. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze as it moves toward densely populated areas.