Announcements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Los Angeles Wildfires Kill 5, Force Over 100,000 to Evacuate as New Blaze Threatens Hollywood

Jan 9, 2025, 03:04 AM

Wildfires fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds are raging across the Los Angeles area, causing widespread destruction and prompting evacuation orders for over 100,000 residents. At least five people have died, and more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in at least six major fires burning in the region. On Wednesday evening, a new fire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, erupted around 5:30 p.m. in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon, threatening iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Dolby Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for areas including Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, and the 101 Freeway. Traffic gridlock has hampered evacuation efforts as residents flee from the fast-moving flames, creating apocalyptic scenes across the city. Later that night, another fire broke out in the Studio City neighborhood, engulfing several mansions and adding to the strain on firefighting resources. President Biden has declared a major disaster in Los Angeles County to support emergency response efforts. Firefighters are battling multiple blazes across the region as they struggle to contain the fires and protect communities.