A new wildfire erupted in the Hollywood Hills near the iconic “Hollywood” sign late Wednesday evening, prompting mandatory evacuations for Runyon Canyon and surrounding neighborhoods.
Aerial footage captured the blaze, now named the “Sunset Fire,” rapidly spreading through the hills, engulfing thick brush and threatening dozens of homes. Local reports described the fire as appearing “out of nowhere” and exploding into a significant emergency within moments.
FOX LA’s helicopter captured the dramatic escalation of the fire.
“Looks like it broke out moments ago,” reported journalist Bill Melugin.
News outlets shared on X (Twitter) terrifying images of the Sunset Fire engulfing the area, with residents warning that the situation was growing dire.
“This is blowing up before our eyes,” ABC7’s Chris Cristi reported. “There are dozens of homes and very thick fuel surrounding this area.”
Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking spot, was also engulfed in flames.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” posted one lifelong LA resident on social media. “All of West Hollywood and Hollywood is now under threat. Stay safe!”
The Sunset Fire is the latest in a series of wildfires devastating the greater Los Angeles area. Fires that began on Tuesday, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, remain at zero percent containment, as strong winds and dry conditions fuel their rapid spread.
Current wildfire containment status (as of Wednesday evening):
- Palisades Fire: 0% (15,832 acres)
- Eaton Fire: 0% (10,600 acres)
- Hurst Fire: 0% (505 acres)
- Lidia Fire: 30% (80 acres)
- Woodley Fire: 0% (30 acres)
As the wildfires rage on, criticism of California’s leadership has intensified. Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are under fire for decisions that critics argue have exacerbated the crisis.
Mayor Bass has faced backlash for slashing $17.6 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, just months before the fires broke out.
Additionally, Governor Newsom has been criticized for inadequate forest management policies and his refusal to sign a water restoration declaration that could have directed millions of gallons of water to parched areas of the state.
Critics claim that years of dry brush and mismanagement have created a tinderbox environment, allowing fires to explode under the gusty Santa Ana winds.
Former President Donald Trump has previously called out California’s leadership for its handling of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for better forest management and water allocation.
“The result? California looks like a Martian wasteland,” posted political commentator John Cardillo.
This is not the first time there have been devastating fires in California. Everyone knows that some regions of the US are by existing climate particularly threatened by wildfires. Note the EXISTING part of that climate issue.
Just as frequently, though, some regions of the US now regularly burn thanks to riots, and those are invariably places where Democrats are also in charge.