LA fires spread to Hollywood Hills as firefighters struggle to contain infernos

CALIFORNIA, US - JAN. 8, 2025: The Hollywood Hills became the scene of the latest Los Angeles area wildfire Wednesday night as firefighters struggled to contain out-of-control infernos that have claimed at least five lives and destroyed an estimated 1,100 homes, businesses, and other buildings.The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills has grown to over 60 acres near the iconic Runyon Canyon after it was reported shortly before 6 pm local time (0200GMT), making it the latest site of increasingly out-of-control infernos wreaking havoc across the Los Angeles area. Evacuation orders have been issued in the area as the fast-moving fire moves southwest towards Hollywood Boulevard, site of the historic Walk of Fame.Helicopters "are actively engaged," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said on X as first responders seek to put an end to the blaze.Meanwhile, the fire in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood remains the largest blaze after it first erupted on Tuesday, burning 15,832 acres near the coast. The Eaton Fire is ravaging communities further inland as it scorches over 10,600 acres northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. The Hurst Fire northeast of downtown has burned an estimated 850 acres.All of the infernos are raging out of control, powered by fierce seasonal winds known as the Santa Anas, dry vegetation, and low humidity.Fire officials have warned that they are overwhelmed with the sheer scope of the devastating fires.(Footage by Tayfun Coşkun /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)