More evacuations are being ordered in Los Angeles County as 27,000 acres are burned in the Hollywood Hills fire.
Officials report that a Sunset Fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills, while the Palisades and Eaton fires remain 0% contained.
On Wednesday night, a fifth wildfire broke out in Los Angeles County, prompting additional evacuations as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes that have already burned 27,000 acres, which is almost the entire size of San Francisco.
The Hollywood Hills above Hollywood Boulevard experienced a Sunset Fire, which endangered popular tourist destinations such as the Hollywood sign and Runyon Canyon.
The streets near the TCL Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds were busy with traffic as people moved around the area. Some carried luggage from hotels while others headed towards the fire, capturing it on their phones. Sirens wailed and helicopters flew overhead, dropping water on the flames.
The Palisades Fire, the Hurst Fire, the Lidia Fire, and the Eaton Fire are currently being fought by firefighters in Los Angeles and neighboring communities. The Eaton Fire has resulted in the loss of five lives. At least 130,000 people have been placed under evacuation orders.
Over 2,000 buildings have been destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The Hollywood Hills fire has been kept under control by the Los Angeles Fire Department, thanks to Capt. Erik Scott's efforts. He stated that they were able to do so because they hit the fire hard and fast, and Mother Nature was kinder to them today than yesterday.
Firefighters have been dealing with intense winds that have further fanned the flames.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Fire Department captain Sheila Kelliher informed Planet Chronicle that she witnessed winds reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and described the burnt hillsides as "stunning and catastrophic."
Gusts of wind in the area are predicted to reach maximum speeds of 55 mph on Thursday.
The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, the two largest fires in the region, are still not contained, according to Cal Fire. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire is 10% contained, and the Lydia Fire is 40% contained.
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, stated that over 7,500 firefighters are currently on the ground fighting the numerous fires that have collectively consumed approximately 42 square miles.
Currently, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are under a Red Flag Warning due to the potential for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior, as stated by the National Weather Service.
This report was contributed to by Bradford Betz of Planet Chronicle Digital, Greg Norman, and the Associated Press.
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