Destructive Blazes Spread to Hollywood Hills, Raising Death Toll and Displacing Thousands Amid Water Shortages

On January 8, 2024, fierce wildfires surrounding Los Angeles spread into the iconic Hollywood Hills, forcing more than 100,000 residents to evacuate. These fires have claimed at least five lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and severely strained firefighting efforts. The fires, which began on January 7, were exacerbated by dry, hurricane-force winds that hindered firefighting operations and rapidly spread the flames across parched land.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the situation as “the big one,” acknowledging the historic scale of the disaster. By the evening of January 8, a new blaze ignited in the Hollywood Hills, adding to the growing number of wildfires, which now number at least six in the region. State officials reported that four of the fires were still uncontained, including major blazes in both the eastern and western areas of Los Angeles, which continued to expand throughout the night.

The Sunset Fire, located in Hollywood Hills, scorched 20 hectares by January 8, with firefighters using helicopters to drop water on the flames, temporarily slowing their advance. Evacuations were ordered for areas stretching from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, encompassing many famous locations, including the Dolby Theatre, home to the Oscars. Due to the fire, the announcement of next week’s Oscar nominations was postponed by two days.

While the Sunset Fire was relatively small compared to the others, its proximity to Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame raised concerns that it might spread towards the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory. Nearby, a structure fire in Studio City claimed two homes but was quickly contained by over 50 firefighters, with no injuries reported.

On the western side of Los Angeles, the Palisades Fire ravaged 6,406 hectares and destroyed hundreds of homes in the hills between Santa Monica and Malibu, eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean by January 7. Aerial footage showed entire neighbourhoods reduced to smouldering ruins in Pacific Palisades. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains claimed 4,289 hectares and 1,000 structures, and tragically resulted in the deaths of at least five people.

Looting was reported, with three individuals arrested. Preliminary damage and economic loss have been estimated at over US$50 billion (S$68.4 billion), according to private forecaster AccuWeather. Kevin McGowan, Director of Emergency Management for Los Angeles County, described the situation as a “historic natural disaster.”

Although winds were expected to subside briefly on January 8, authorities warned that “red flag” conditions, signifying extreme fire risk, would persist until at least January 10. As the fires continued to rage, many animals were brought to safety at a college equestrian centre, with evacuees seeking shelter for their horses and other large animals.

In total, nearly 300,000 homes and businesses were without power, with electricity outages impacting almost one million residents earlier in the day. Schools across Los Angeles County were cancelled at least through January 9.

Firefighting resources were stretched to their limits, with crews from six other states being deployed to California. An additional 250 engine companies, including 1,000 firefighters from Northern California, were dispatched to assist. Water shortages further complicated the situation, with some hydrants in upscale Pacific Palisades running dry. Janisse Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, explained that the city’s water systems were pushed to their limits as firefighters worked to combat the blazes.

The fires hit Southern California at an especially vulnerable time, following months of drought, and were worsened by powerful Santa Ana winds blowing dry desert air into the region, fanning the flames. President Joe Biden, who declared the fires a major disaster, visited California to receive a briefing on firefighting efforts alongside Governor Gavin Newsom. In response to the escalating crisis, Biden cancelled an upcoming trip to Italy to focus on the federal response before he hands over office to President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.