Just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, a new brush fire dubbed the Sunset fire broke out near Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills, adding to the frayed nerves of Los Angeles residents. The fire has burned over 19 acres so far. A mandatory evacuation orders covers the area north of Hollywood Boulevard, east of Laurel Canyon and west of the 101 freeway. Hollywood Boulevard is closed in the area. The Dolby Theatre and Hollywood Bowl are also in the evacuation area.
The TCL Chinese Theatres have closed and will refund any tickets that have been purchased, the theater posted on X.
The Magic Castle, another Hollywood mainstay in the area, also closed its doors due to the blaze. In an official statement, Magic Castle general manager Hervé Levy wrote, “The Magic Castle has been a part of the L.A. fabric for 62 years. Like many communities in Los Angeles, we find ourselves hoping for the best and have taken what measures we can safely take. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has or may be impacted by this tragedy.”
Angelenos are continuing to grapple with the devastation caused by the Palisades fire, which has burned some 15,000 acres and destroyed a large part of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Meanwhile five people are confirmed to have died in the Eaton fire in Altadena. More than 1,100 structures have been destroyed so far, the L.A. Times reported.
The winds appear to be dying down but the fires continue to burn with little containment. A number of historic sites and local landmarks have burned, including the Reel Inn and Moonshadows restaurants on Sunset near Topanga, structures at Will Rogers State Historic Park and more.
The massive fires have caused numerous TV productions to shut down while several premieres and other events have been canceled. In addition, the Oscar nominations have been pushed back to Jan. 19, with voting extended for two more days.
Entertainment figures who have lost their homes include Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Paris Hilton, Anna Faris, Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal, Diane Warren, James Woods and Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.