Firefighters Make Progress in Battling Sunset Fire
Mandatory Evacuation Orders Lifted for Most Areas
Los Angeles firefighters have made significant progress in battling the Sunset fire, which had triggered mandatory evacuation orders in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills late Wednesday. The fire, which was reported at 2350 N. Solar Drive in the Hollywood Hills, was at its peak of 50 acres but has since been reduced to 42.3 acres and is now in retreat.
Firefighters’ Efforts Pay Off
"It’s a miracle that no homes burned here," one firefighter told The Times. By 10:30 p.m., flames were barely visible on the distant hillside. Firefighters on the scene credited the efficient water dropping for stemming the blaze, with the nearby Hollywood reservoir allowing for frequent trips. The water drops were happening around every 10 minutes by 10:30 p.m.
Resident’s Harrowing Experience
David Potts, 66, stood on his front porch, just a few hundred yards from the active fire, a fire truck parked opposite him. He stopped to see if the water had extinguished a burning tree he could see from his perch. His home of 11 years sits next to Runyon Canyon. He stayed behind to protect his property, spraying his house and yard with a hose, and kept in touch with neighbors who had been evacuated.
Neighborhoods Affected
The mandatory evacuation order affected areas north of Hollywood Boulevard and south of Mulholland Drive, and east of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and west of the 101 freeway. Iconic locations such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, and Ovation Hollywood, the shopping center in Hollywood, were also affected.
Evacuation and Firefighting Efforts
When the mandatory evacuation notice came, Potts’ wife, daughter, and son-in-law quickly packed and left, but Potts chose to stay. He got his hose and started spraying his house and yard. Two hours later, with no help arriving, he was about to give up when two helicopters came by, dropping water and sending embers flying everywhere. He kept hosing, seeing progress from the helicopters.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Fire Department is expected to lift all evacuation orders for the fire by 7:30 a.m. Thursday, with firefighters remaining in the area to ensure vegetation in the area does not flare up. Residents are advised to "be careful while returning to your homes."
FAQs
Q: What was the size of the Sunset fire at its peak?
A: 50 acres
Q: What was the size of the Sunset fire at the time of the article’s publication?
A: 42.3 acres
Q: What areas were affected by the mandatory evacuation order?
A: Areas north of Hollywood Boulevard and south of Mulholland Drive, east of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and west of the 101 freeway.
Q: What is the expected timeline for lifting evacuation orders?
A: 7:30 a.m. Thursday
Q: What is the advice for residents returning to their homes?
A: "Be careful while returning to your homes."
