Residents left the emergency shelter located at the Pan Pacific Recreation Center on the morning of Jan. 9 as evacuation orders were lifted following containment of the Sunset fire. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

The Sunset fire that burned through approximately 43 acres of the Hollywood Hills has been 100% contained and all evacuation orders and warnings in the area have been lifted as of Jan. 9, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The LAFD alerted the public after the fire near Runyon Canyon erupted at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The blaze set the community on edge as the fire threatened homes and iconic Hollywood landmarks including the Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theater and Musso and Frank Grill. The restaurant announced on Jan. 9 that it would remain closed for the day out of an abundance of caution after being forced to evacuate on Jan. 8.

A mandatory evacuation was issued in the vicinity of Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west, Hollywood Boulevard to the South, Cahuenga Boulevard/101 Freeway/Highland Avenue to the east and Muholland Drive to the north.

Residents in the area between Coldwater Canyon Boulevard to the west, Sunset Boulevard to the south, Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the east and Mulholland Drive to the north were advised to prepare for a potential evacuation by packing an emergency “go bag.” The evacuation warning area included portions of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

By 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 9, all evacuations had been lifted and residents began returning to their homes. Many people left an emergency shelter located at the Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd., after the evacuation order was lifted. According to a Red Cross worker, the shelter will remain in place for possible evacuations.

The Beverly Hills Unified School District announced on Jan. 9 that all BHUSD schools and district offices are closed on Thursday, Jan. 9, with a planned reopening on Friday, Jan. 10. While no BHUSD schools were under immediate threat, many staff members reside in areas that are “significantly impacted,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said, in an e-mail to the BHUSD community.

“We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause, particularly for working parents, and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenges together,” he added.

Similarly, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced on Jan. 8 that schools would be closed on Jan. 9 due to wildfire threats.

The Sunset fire was followed by a structure fire in Studio City at approximately 9 p.m. on Jan. 8, setting the community on edge as the Los Angeles Fire Department advised neighbors of a potential evacuation. Several other homes caught fire, but the blaze was extinguished within about an hour, according to LAFD.

The fires in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City are the latest in a series of devastating wildfires to wreak havoc across Los Angeles.

As of Jan. 9, the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Topanga had burned through over 17,000 acres with 0% containment, according to CalFire. The uncontrolled flames destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, leveling entire neighborhoods and leaving large areas along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway completely unrecognizable. On Jan. 9, Los Angeles County authorities began investigating what appeared to be human remains found in the rubble near Malibu.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in the Angeles National Forest, Altadena, Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge areas had grown to at least 10,600 acres with 0% containment, according to CalFire. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said on Jan. 9 the Eaton fire had destroyed at least 1,000 structures and caused five confirmed deaths.

On Jan. 9, firefighters began making progress on the Hurst Fire in the Sylmar area, as crews had contained approximately 10% of the blaze.

Local leaders applauded firefighters for their efforts and advised residents in Los Angeles to be prepared for high wind conditions that are expected to continue into next week.

“At the city of West Hollywood, we’re working with our public safety partners and regional agencies and officials around the clock,” West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson said in a statement. “We’re continuing to monitor high wind conditions, which pose a significant concern to community safety, as well as local fires. Our hearts and thoughts are with all of the people in areas that have been devastated by continuing fires in nearby communities. In West Hollywood, I’m happy to report that there have been no reports of major fires or other incidents. We’re urging community members to continue to be vigilant about fire safety. Air quality is an extreme concern right now and we’re urging community members to use well-fitting masks when outdoors. We’ve also set up a page on the city’s website  – go.weho.org/fireupdates – with updates and community members should follow @wehocity for regular city informational updates.”

Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood), who represents the 51st District, which includes areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Los Angeles, expressed support for residents affected by the fires.

“My heart is broken by the devastation that our communities are experiencing as a result of the fires, including the recent Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills,” Zbur said. “Large portions of Santa Monica and Southern California have evacuated to assure the safety of residents, as well as our loved ones and pets. I’m very grateful to the first responders who are working round the clock to keep us safe. I am working closely with the speaker and governor, and I can assure you the state of California is committed to caring for the needs of all the affected residents, including the immediate emergency response and responding to any and all cases of price gouging. This incredibly difficult crisis will be followed by the challenge of recovery. Please know that my office is here as a resource through all of it. Please follow all directives from local emergency officials, and above all stay safe.”