More than 100,000 people have been evacuated after deadly wildfires took at least five lives in Los Angeles.
The number of wildfires across California now stands at six, with thousands of homes destroyed by the blazes dubbed “The Sunset Fire”.
Some of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks are under threat, with the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TLC Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl, all being cleared as the “apocalyptic” blaze causes carnage.
However, the inferno would need to cross the 101 Freeway to endanger the Hollywood sign.
Some of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks are under threat from the wildfires
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The number of wildfires across California now stands at six
Reuters
Extreme winds have exacerbated the roaring blaze, as flames engulfed hillsides in the Golden State, with US officials declaring a state of emergency.
Fire chiefs have said that the chance of putting out some of the blazes – which are “rapidly expanding” – is “zero”.
The Palisades fire, the largest wildfire still spreading in Los Angeles, has scorched an area the size of more than 11,000 football pitches.
Fire chiefs have also warned that the wildfires could potentially become the most destructive in the state of California.
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The wildfires could potentially become the most destructive in the state of California
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The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said that “extreme fire behaviour, including short and long-range spotting” continues to challenge firefighting and warned that forecasted wind gusts would be “potentially aiding in further fire activity and suppression efforts”.
An alert covering many iconic addresses in Hollywood read: “A Mandatory Evacuation Order is now in place for Laurel Canyon Blvd (on the west) to Mulholland Dr (on the north) to 101 Freeway (on the east) down to Hollywood Blvd (on the south).”
Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton are among the stars who said they had lost homes in the blaze, whilst stars such as Mark Hamill, Tom Hanks, Ben Affleck, and Miles Teller have all had to evacuate their properties.
One fire in the Acton area had been partially contained, while two others had been completely contained.
Extreme winds have exacerbated the roaring blaze
Reuters
Fire chiefs have said that the chance of putting out some of the blazes – which are ‘rapidly expanding’ – is ‘zero’
Reuters
Many firefighters tackling the blazes have experienced water shortages and have had to resort to taking water from swimming pools and ponds.
The blaze rampaging through Palisades is believed to have started in dry vegetation and was first reported at approximately 10.30am on Tuesday, Los Angeles spokesman Erik Scott has said.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department said: “People in the area of Palisades need to evacuate now due to a rapidly moving wildfire.
“Pack all people and pets into your vehicle and leave the area immediately.
“If you are not in the mandatory evacuation zone, stay off the roads to allow first responders and evacuees to move quickly.”