Sunset Fire sparks in Runyon Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills
A "very dangerous and explosive" brush fire has sparked in the Runyon Canyon area in the Hollywood Hills, prompting evacuations for some residents, firefighters said.
The Sunset Fire was first reported just after 5:30 p.m. in the 2300 block of N. Solar Drive, near Wattles Park, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. As of 6:15 p.m., firefighters said the fire had burned just over 40 acres of vegetation.
SkyCal was overhead as the massive flames tore through rush in the area. Multiple water-dropping helicopters could be seen dropping liquid near the spot of the fire while several ground crews with both LAFD and Los Angeles County Fire worked below.
"We cannot emphasize enough: We need people to adhere to our immediate evacuation," said LAFD Public Information Officer Margaret Stewart. "We are asking people to evacuate early in the warning zones because this has the potential to move quickly."
Evacuation orders
Just after 6 p.m. LAFD issued mandatory evacuation orders 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).
A reception center was opened at the Pan Pacific Recreation Center at 7600 Beverly Boulevard.
LAPD deployed officers to help direct traffic caused by the evacuations.
Despite multiple warnings from local law enforcement in recent days, KCAL News captured footage of at least one person who was detained outside one home in the area on suspicion of looting. Officials have advised anyone seeking to take advantage of the tragedy at hand to reconsider or face adequate consequences.
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