New wildfires outbreaks have intensified the crisis in Los Angeles County, where four blazes remain out of control. The latest fire, dubbed the “Sunset Fire,” is tearing through the Hollywood Hills, triggering widespread evacuations and threatening iconic landmarks.

At least six fires ignited across Los Angeles County overnight, leaving a trail of devastation with five confirmed deaths, dozens injured, and over 1,500 structures reduced to ash. The most destructive fires, named “Palisades” and “Eaton,” have collectively scorched approximately 27,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Hollywood Hills Under Siege
The Sunset Fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills around 6:00 p.m. local time. Within two hours, it had consumed eight acres of vegetation and has since expanded to more than 50 acres. Aerial footage from KTLA revealed homes and other structures engulfed in flames as high winds propelled the fire’s rapid spread.
Hurricane-force winds, coupled with months of drought, have created the perfect storm for this disaster. Authorities warn that the winds, expected to persist until Friday, will further complicate firefighting efforts. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for areas between Mulholland Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, putting landmarks like the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre at risk.
More than 210 firefighters are battling the Sunset Fire, using both ground crews and aerial tankers. Kristin Crowley, chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, described the operation as “relentless” but necessary to protect lives and property.

A new wave of wildfires: an endless nightmare
This new wave of wildfires has stretched the resources of Los Angeles County’s fire department to the limit. Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, have fanned the flames of multiple blazes, forcing the evacuation of over 120,000 residents.
The Eaton Fire, responsible for all five confirmed fatalities, has scorched nearly 10,500 acres in Altadena, a suburb north of Pasadena. Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the death toll in a press conference, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
In Pacific Palisades, flames have crossed the Pacific Coast Highway and are advancing toward Malibu. Hundreds of homes, including those of several celebrities, have been destroyed. Firefighters battling this blaze described it as one of the most severe in the region’s history.
Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 7,500 firefighters and emergency personnel to combat the infernos, while President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration for Los Angeles. “We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to help California recover,” Biden said in a press briefing, though he acknowledged that recovery efforts could take months.
Meanwhile, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) canceled its first week of classes due to poor air quality, which has reached hazardous levels. All Los Angeles Unified School District campuses will remain closed through the end of the week, and power outages have left more than 300,000 residents without electricity.

Wildfires: The deadly impact of climate change
While wildfires are a common occurrence in the western United States, scientists point to climate change as a key factor in the increasing frequency and severity of these events. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought have created conditions ripe for “sixth-generation wildfires,” which are larger and more destructive than ever before.
As Los Angeles grapples with one of the worst fire seasons in recent memory, the immediate focus remains on saving lives and controlling the flames. However, the long-term challenge of addressing the root causes of these catastrophic events looms large over California’s future.