Hollywood Hills scorched as Sunset Fire ignites in Los Angeles
What started as a brush fire in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills burned more than 40 acres of vegetation and threatened major landmarks as it kicked off a wave of evacuation orders and warnings.
The blaze, known as the Sunset Fire, was reported on Wednesday evening, and water-dropping helicopters and ground crews worked to extinguish the flames through the night.
By mid-Thursday morning, the fire "was stopped," an official said.
Los Angeles Fire Department chief Kristin Crowley said the fire was "rapidly and aggressively attacked" with coordinated air and ground fire suppression efforts.
Crews were working to "put out spot fires within the perimeters to keep the wind from spreading any additional embers" which could spark further blazes, Crowley said.
Evacuation orders lifted for Hollywood Hills
Mandatory evacuation orders were put in place for residents between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park, the agency said. Cal Fire said on Thursday morning that the evacuation orders were lifted, but said any residents returning home should use caution and be aware of firefighters still operating in the area. Crowley confirmed the evacuation orders had been lifted at the news briefing.
The Los Angeles Fire Department will be working to ensure "no flare-ups in the vegetation surrounding these streets," spokesperson Margaret Stewart said earlier Thursday.
Here are the areas that were under evacuation orders and warnings because of the Sunset Fire.
Hollywood sign, other landmarks threatened
A number of iconic Los Angeles landmarks, including the Hollywood sign, were near the Sunset Fire, according to maps.
The Hollywood sign and the nearby Griffith Observatory were nearby the mandatory evacuation zone shared by Cal Fire. Meanwhile, entertainment venue the Hollywood Bowl and the historic TCL Chinese Theater were inside the zone.
Other sites inside the zone included the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held, the Magic Castle, the Capitol Records Building and a former studio used by Golden Age director Cecil B. DeMille. The studio is now the Hollywood Heritage Museum.
