Evacuation Order Lifted for Hollywood Hills West in Los Angeles

An evacuation order for Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills West area has been officially lifted after authorities confirmed that the wildfire threatening the region had been brought under control. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued a statement urging residents to proceed with caution as they returned to their homes, as potential hazards and fire damage remained present.
Around 15,000 residents had been evacuated earlier due to the Sunset Fire, one of at least five major wildfires that have caused significant destruction in LA and neighboring regions. Tragically, five people have been confirmed dead in the wake of these fires.
The evacuation order was lifted at 07:30 local time (15:30 GMT) on Thursday. This announcement marked a hopeful shift in the battle against the wildfires that have been wreaking havoc on the city. The Sunset Fire, which started on Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, near Malibu, quickly spread to other parts of the city, including the Hollywood Hills area. The fire in Hollywood Hills began on Wednesday evening and rapidly intensified, sending thick smoke across the city. Within hours, much of the area, including the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, was blanketed by smoke, making it nearly impossible to see. The tops of the palm trees that line the streets were barely visible.
As the fire spread, many residents, taken by surprise, were forced to flee their homes quickly. Some people covered their faces with sweatshirts to filter out the smoke, while others, seemingly unprepared for the emergency, wore only their pyjamas, rushing to gather their belongings. Many evacuees carried bags and suitcases as they made phone calls and scrambled to find shelter. The surrounding roads, including Hollywood Boulevard, became heavily congested with traffic. In the chaos, some drivers resorted to driving on the wrong side of the road to escape the area.
One local resident, Anna Waldman, described her experience of the evacuation. She had stepped outside to walk her dog but was immediately overwhelmed by the smell of smoke. Returning indoors, she looked out her window and saw the fire moving swiftly through the Hollywood Hills, coming alarmingly close to her home. In a rush, she packed essential items, including food, clothing, blankets, and provisions for her three small dogs. “I can’t believe this,” she said, exhausted and disoriented as she prepared to leave.
Makayla Jackson, a 26-year-old mother, was also caught in the evacuation. She and her two-year-old son, Ramari, were evacuated from a homeless shelter that was in danger of being engulfed by the fire. Jackson, along with other displaced people, stood on the street waiting for transportation to a local high school, where assistance was being provided to those affected by the fires. “They just told us to get out and go,” she said in disbelief.
By Wednesday night, reports indicated that the famous Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood had been left in ruins. Many of the businesses that line the street, including banks, cafes, and supermarkets, were completely destroyed by the flames. Michael Payton, the director of Erewhon, a supermarket chain popular with celebrities, confirmed that while his store had survived, the surrounding area had been decimated. “The whole Palisades is done. The whole town is done. This is complete devastation,” he told the LA Times.
Firefighters have faced considerable challenges in their efforts to contain the wildfires, particularly when it comes to water shortages. Due to the high elevations of the fires, water could not be quickly transferred to the affected areas, forcing crews to draw water from swimming pools and ponds. Authorities noted that the city’s infrastructure, designed for urban fires, was not equipped to handle the magnitude of these wildfires.
In total, more than 180,000 people have been evacuated from Los Angeles County as a result of the fires. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal have been among those whose homes were destroyed. The Palisades fire, in particular, has become the most destructive fire in Los Angeles’ history, with devastating consequences for homes, businesses, and the environment.
As the situation remains fluid, authorities continue to monitor the ongoing risks and dangers posed by the wildfires. Residents are urged to remain cautious and follow any further evacuation or safety instructions issued by emergency services. With the fire still wreaking havoc in various parts of the city, it is unclear when the situation will fully be under control. For now, the recovery process has only just begun, with thousands of homes and businesses in ruins across the area.