 "Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire as it burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, US, January 8, 2025. Reuters")
Raging wildfires have been wreaking havoc across Southern California for two days, claiming five lives and damaging nearly 2,000 homes and buildings. Driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, the fires began on Tuesday (January 7) burning through structures and picturesque neighbourhoods.
At least 130,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. Amid historically dry and windy conditions, five fires continue to burn in Los Angeles, covering 29,000 acres. From the Hollywood sign to Disneyland, Los Angeles is home to several landmarks.
Here’s a look at their fate as LA reels from the worst wildfires in its history.
Hollywood sign
The Sunset fire broke out in Hollywood Hills just above Hollywood Boulevard and its Walk of Fame on Wednesday evening.
The Hollywood Hills is also home to the famous Hollywood sign. As the inferno emerged, fake videos and images started spreading on social media of the Hollywood sign in flames.
The Hollywood sign remains safe and the blaze has only affected the lights that illuminate the sign, as per Independent.
According to its official Facebook page, access to the Hollywood sign was closed yesterday, with the post urging residents and tourists to “stay safe and indoors”.
Disneyland
Disneyland in Anaheim, California did not announce any closure due to the wildfires . As per Good Morning America, Disneyland officials said visitors can check the Disneyland app for the latest updates.
The Disneyland Resort area, including Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, is located 50 miles (about 80 km) south of the Pacific Palisades.
The Palisades wildfire was the first to erupt on Tuesday. As per Associated Press (AP), the blaze has destroyed an estimated 1,000 structures in the hilly coastal neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades. The fire has smouldered over 17,000 acres and is still entirely uncontained.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, Universal Studios announced citing “extreme winds and fire conditions.” The attractions were also shut Wednesday due to high winds and fire conditions.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, January 9 as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions” a statement on the theme park’s social media read.
“We will continue to assess the situation and are directing guests to visit our website for updates.”
The theme park sits in Universal City, north of Los Angeles and between Pasadena and the Pacific Palisades, both affected by the wildfires.
Universal Studios also cancelled shooting for several series, including Ted Lasso and Suits LA, reported AP.
ALSO READ: California wildfires: Why Trump blames Governor Gavin Newsom
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard, the iconic strip stretching for miles through Los Angeles, has been ravaged by the Palisades inferno.
The blaze has left a trail of destruction, with charred buildings and trees replacing the once-picturesque landscape, as per the LA Times report.
“The whole Palisades is done. The whole town is done. This is complete devastation,” Michael Payton, store director of the Erewhon supermarket chain, whose business survived, told the LA Times.
Pacific Palisades schools
Pacific Palisades is the home to many celebrity homes, many of which have now been lost to the fire. A school made famous by Hollywood also faced damage.
Palisades Charter High School, which featured in popular movies including Carrie and 2003’s Freaky Friday and the TV series Teen Wolf, was ravaged 30 per cent by the blaze, as per CBS News.
The school’s website says it has closed, urging students and their families to avoid the area.
Palisades Charter Elementary School and Marquez Elementary School were ruined by fire, CBS News reported citing Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
State parks
The wildfires have destroyed two popular state parks. A historic ranch house at Will Rogers State Historic Park was severely impacted. At Topanga State Park, the Topanga Ranch Motel was ruined.
A press release noted that the residences of the state park employees were also damaged, with over 30 structures lost to the fire at two state parks, as per USA Today.
“California State Parks mourns the loss of these treasured natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a statement.
Getty Villa and Getty Center
The Getty Center, which is not in the immediate fire zone, has been closed through Sunday (January 12).
The Getty Villa, a museum of world-class collection of Greek and Roman art and antiquities on the Pacific Coast Highway, has also been shut until Monday.
The museum lies in the foothills between Will Rogers State Park and Topanga State Park in Pacific Palisades, just north of Santa Monica.
Theatre Palisades
The Theatre Palisades, a beloved community theatre founded in 1963, was engulfed by flames, sustaining “serious damage”, as per its website.
In a Facebook post, theatre officials said, “Too sad. Our beloved Pierson Playhouse is gone but the heart of Theatre Palisades beats on. We will rise again.”
With inputs from agencies