As firefighters worked to contain multiple wildfires throughout the city, a sixth blaze, dubbed the Sunset fire, broke out in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, in the near-vicinity of numerous world-famous landmarks and tourist attractions.
Why It Matters
As several fires have raged through the built-up and populated region, hundreds of homes have reportedly been destroyed, with more than 100,000 people having been ordered to evacuate, per Reuters. At least five deaths have been reported. The loss of these landmarks would change the face of America's second-biggest city.
What To Know
Several of the city's prominent venues were located within or near evacuation zones put in place by authorities.
These included the Hollywood Bowl, the Dolby Theatre—which hosts the Academy Awards—the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Capitol Records building. The iconic Hollywood sign is also located to the north of the blaze and evacuation area.
Images and video circulating online after the blaze broke out claimed to show the landmark wreathed in flame, though these were pointed out to be false and AI-generated.
The Griffith Observatory is also located not far from the evacuation zone, and the fire was located close to Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What People Are Saying
The TCL Chinese Theatre said in a statement on Wednesday: "We have closed the theatre tonight and sent employees home. If you had tickets for tonight, please reach out tomorrow and we will issue you a full refund. Please stay safe everyone."
The Hollywood Bowl said in a statement: "Due to the Sunset fire, we have received evacuation orders and all Hollywood Bowl staff have safely evacuated the premises.
"We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our community."
Los Angeles Fire Department said in an update dated Wednesday: "The majority of the Evacuation Zone for the Sunset Fire is LIFTED with the EXCEPTION of the area North of Franklin Ave from Camino Palmero St (East border) to N Sierra Bonita Ave. (West border).
"This area remains CLOSED until tomorrow morning due to continued LAFD operations ensuring no flare ups in the vegetation surrounding these streets."
What Happens Next
At the time this article was written, the Sunset fire was burning at around 43 acres to the southwest of Hollywood Reservoir, according to a map from Watch Duty.
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About the writer
Joe Edwards
Joe Edwards is a Live News Reporter based in Newsweek's London Bureau. He covers U.S. and global news and has ...
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