Hollywood Hills ablaze: Celebrity homes go up in flames as seven wildfires ravage LA
A major wildfire has broken out in Hollywood Hills, near Runyon Canyon, according to Kristin Crowley, chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. She confirmed that there are currently five other wildfires underway.
"We’re throwing every available resource at it as we speak," Crowley stated at a press conference on Wednesday.
Luxury neighborhood under threat
Hollywood Hills is an affluent neighborhood, home to many famous celebrities. The iconic Hollywood sign is also located in this area. As of now, the fire covers approximately one square kilometer but threatens to spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry brush.
Over 100,000 residents in the Altadena/Pasadena area have been told to evacuate. Tragically, at least five people have died, and authorities fear the death toll will rise.
Water supply struggles
Winds and challenges with the water supply are making fighting the blaze difficult. Los Angeles officials report that the municipal water system is functioning effectively, but it was designed for an urban environment and not equipped to handle wildfires.
Janisse Quinones, the general manager and chief engineer of LA’s Department of Water and Power, stated, "We’re battling a wildfire with urban water systems, and it’s extremely challenging."
Celebrity homes lost
Paris Hilton took to Instagram to express her disbelief, stating, "Sitting with my family watching the news and seeing our home in Malibu has burned to the ground on live TV. No one deserves this."
Billy Crystal and his wife Janice also lost their home in Pacific Palisades, where they had lived for 45 years. The couple expressed gratitude for their family and friends’ support during this difficult time.
President Biden delays travel plans
In response to the devastating wildfires, President Joe Biden has postponed his final foreign trip as president, which was set to take him to Rome. He will now focus on providing federal support to the affected areas in the coming days.
Other notable figures impacted
Other celebrities who have been forced to flee their homes in the Pacific Palisades area include actors James Woods, Eugene Levy, and Mark Hamill. It is not yet known if the homes of Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, or Steven Spielberg in the same area have been affected.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
