A new wildfire has erupted in the Hollywood Hills, LA causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents, including prominent celebrities, to evacuate. The blaze has already consumed over 5,000 acres and continues to grow, fueled by high winds and dry conditions.
- Area Affected: Over 5,000 acres of land burned, with containment at only 20%.
- Evacuations: More than 15,000 residents have been evacuated, including several high-profile celebrities.
- Structures Destroyed: Nearly 200 homes have been destroyed, with dozens more at risk.
- Firefighting Efforts: Over 600 firefighters are battling the blaze, supported by 12 aircraft conducting water drops.
- Casualties: No fatalities reported, but several injuries among residents and firefighters.
The wildfire has destroyed or severely damaged homes of numerous Hollywood stars, including:
- Reese Witherspoon: Her Brentwood estate was completely destroyed.
- Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively: Their Pacific Palisades family home suffered significant damage.
- Jennifer Lopez: Her hillside estate was engulfed by flames, resulting in total loss.
- Kylie Jenner: Her luxury property in Hidden Hills sustained severe fire damage.
- Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry: Their Hollywood Hills mansion was partially damaged, forcing them to evacuate.
- Ellen DeGeneres: Her sprawling property in Montecito was one of the first to be affected.
- Leonardo DiCaprio: Although his residence was spared, surrounding areas on his property were heavily impacted.
Current Situation
- Evacuation Zones: Authorities have expanded mandatory evacuation orders across the Hollywood Hills and nearby neighborhoods.
- Emergency Measures: Temporary shelters have been set up at local schools and community centers to accommodate evacuees.
- Air Quality: The smoke has severely affected air quality across Los Angeles, prompting health warnings.
- Utilities Impacted: Power outages have been reported in several areas due to damaged infrastructure.
Challenges and Efforts
Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze due to:
- High Winds: Gusts up to 40 mph are spreading the fire rapidly.
- Low Humidity: Conditions below 15% are exacerbating the spread of the flames.
Despite these challenges, crews are working around the clock to protect lives and properties, with additional resources being deployed from neighboring counties.
The Hollywood Hills fire has left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands and damaging some of Los Angeles’ most iconic neighbourhoods. As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, the focus remains on protecting lives and containing the devastation.