Wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County on Wednesday, spreading to the Hollywood Hills and escalating the crisis that has already claimed at least five lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and displaced over 100,000 residents.
The Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills erupted Wednesday evening, forcing evacuations near iconic landmarks, including the Dolby Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite being smaller than other fires, it rapidly doubled, raising concerns about critical sites like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.
To the west, the Palisades Fire scorched over 15,800 acres, destroying neighborhoods in the hills between Santa Monica and Malibu. Aerial footage revealed entire blocks were reduced to ash.
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains consumed 10,600 acres and 1,000 structures and tragically took five lives. These fires represent some of the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
The fires strained resources as crews from six states and 1,000 additional personnel were called in to assist—water shortages complicated efforts, particularly in Pacific Palisades, where demand outpaced supply. Officials restored water tanks by Wednesday afternoon, but the crisis exposed vulnerabilities in the urban water system.
The disaster occurs amid extreme weather patterns fueled by climate change, with scientists warning of more frequent and severe events.
President Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom pledged federal and state support during a briefing, with Biden declaring a significant disaster and promising long-term recovery efforts.
