Fire evacuation order lifted for LA's Hollywood Hills West

The evacuation order for the Hollywood Hills West neighborhood in Los Angeles has been officially lifted after firefighters successfully brought the wildfire in the area under control. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as they return to their homes, noting the potential for lingering hazards in the affected areas. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reminded residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during their return.

Earlier, approximately 15,000 residents were ordered to evacuate due to the fast-spreading Sunset Fire, one of at least five significant wildfires that have caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles and neighboring regions. The fires have claimed the lives of five individuals, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The evacuation order for Hollywood Hills West was lifted on Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. local time (3:30 p.m. GMT). The Sunset Fire began on Tuesday in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood near Malibu and quickly spread, with additional blazes erupting across northern Los Angeles. The fire in Hollywood Hills started on Wednesday evening around 6:00 p.m., rapidly advancing toward residential areas and blanketing the iconic neighborhood in dense smoke. By nightfall, the heart of Hollywood was obscured, with palm trees and landmarks barely visible through the haze.

The sudden onset of the fire left many residents unprepared, prompting them to evacuate in haste. Streets, including the famous Hollywood Boulevard, were gridlocked as people attempted to flee the area. Some drivers, desperate to escape, resorted to driving on the wrong side of the road. Residents were seen covering their faces with improvised masks, carrying bags, and making frantic phone calls to coordinate shelter plans.

One resident, Anna Waldman, recounted how she discovered the fire while walking her dog. “I smelled smoke as soon as I stepped outside,” she said. Returning home, she saw flames advancing rapidly toward her property, coming within a block of her house. She packed essentials, including food, clothes, blankets, and supplies for her three small dogs, before evacuating. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she said, visibly exhausted as she adjusted her face mask.

Another evacuee, Makayla Jackson, was forced to leave a homeless shelter with her two-year-old son, Ramari. The shelter was at risk of being consumed by the flames. Standing on the street with her belongings, she expressed the chaos of the situation: “They just told us to get out and go.”

By Wednesday night, reports indicated that the fires had devastated parts of West Hollywood, including the iconic Sunset Boulevard. Many longstanding establishments, such as banks, cafes, and supermarkets, were reduced to rubble. The Erewhon supermarket, a favorite among celebrities, managed to survive, but the surrounding area was described as completely leveled. “The whole Palisades is done,” said Michael Payton, a store director. “This is total devastation.”

Firefighters faced significant challenges while battling the blazes, including severe water shortages. Despite having three one-million-gallon water tanks filled prior to the fires, the elevation of the affected areas hindered the rapid flow of water to fire hydrants. Firefighters were forced to draw water from swimming pools and ponds to contain the flames. The Palisades fire has now been deemed the most destructive in the city’s history, raising concerns about Los Angeles' preparedness for wildfires of this magnitude.

In total, approximately 180,000 residents across Los Angeles County have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires continue to rage in other areas. Homes of several high-profile individuals, including Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal, were among those destroyed. While firefighters have made progress in containing the blazes, the long-term impact of these fires on the community, infrastructure, and environment will likely be profound. For now, residents are left to navigate the aftermath, rebuild their lives, and hope for continued progress in the ongoing firefi

ghting efforts.