On Thursday morning, the Hollywood Hills were engulfed in an uncontrollable blaze as the worst wildfires in Los Angeles history swept across the city, creating a visible crescent of flame that could be seen from space.
The fast-moving fire started in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, posing a threat to the heart of the US film industry. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, but dry, hurricane-force winds made the task difficult and caused the flames to spread rapidly.
At least six separate wildfires were burning in Los Angeles County, resulting in the deaths of five people and forcing 130,000 individuals to evacuate as the fires destroyed communities from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.
Among the properties consumed by the flames were the homes of movie stars and celebrities, as well as some of the most luxurious real estate in the world, and iconic showbiz landmarks recognizable around the globe.
The fire reached Calabasas and Santa Monica, where many of California’s elite reside. Notable figures such as Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes, and Paris Hilton lost their homes in the devastation. Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice saw their 45-year residence destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
“This firestorm is unprecedented,” stated Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass at a press conference she hastened to attend, cutting short an official trip to Ghana.
Various Hollywood studios halted production, and Universal Studios shut down its theme park located between Pasadena and Pacific Palisades.
Several schools in the area suffered damage or were completely destroyed, including Palisades Charter High School, which has been featured in numerous Hollywood productions. The University of California, Los Angeles also cancelled classes for the week.
