Hollywood Hills Breathe Sigh of Relief as Sunset Fire Contained, Statewide Response Highlights Coordinated Effort

 

Los Angeles, CA - January 10, 2025 - After a tense 24 hours, residents of the Hollywood Hills are returning to their homes following the successful containment of the Sunset Fire.1 The blaze, which erupted Wednesday evening near Wattles Park, quickly consumed over 60 acres of brush, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. This incident, while harrowing, highlights the effectiveness of California's coordinated response to the ongoing wildfire crisis.

The fire sparked widespread evacuations and sent a wave of anxiety through the community, already on edge due to the regional fire crisis.2 The dramatic scenes of flames licking the iconic Hollywood sign were broadcast across the nation, a stark reminder of the increasing threat of wildfires in Southern California.

"It was terrifying," recounted one resident who had to evacuate. "The sky was orange, and the wind was howling. It felt like the whole neighborhood was going to go up in flames."

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded swiftly, deploying ground crews and aerial support to combat the blaze. Helicopters could be seen throughout the night, dropping water on the flames as firefighters worked tirelessly to establish containment lines. This rapid response was part of a larger, statewide mobilization effort.

By the numbers: All-in state response

California’s emergency response to wildfire impacts has involved nearly every part of the state government.3 Assistance on the ground includes:

• Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Coordinating the state’s response through the activation of the State Operations Center, including the deployment of 1,040 firefighters and 260 fire engines through the state’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.4 Cal OES also prepositioned resources in advance of the wind event, including fire engines, water tenders, helicopters, and dozers in high-risk counties.

• Neighbor helping neighbor: California has requested and received commitments for fire engines from Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Utah, and Idaho through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, bringing in hundreds of additional firefighters.5

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): Over 4,700 firefighting personnel deployed, including local and federal partners, supported by air tankers, helicopters, engines, handcrews, dozers, and water tenders.6

• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans): 600 personnel mobilized to clear debris, handle traffic equipment power outages, and replenish batteries for traffic signals affected by power outages.7

• California Highway Patrol (CHP): CHP officials deployed to embed with incident command.8

• California National Guard (Cal Guard): Over 600 Cal Guard service members and equipment deployed to support firefighting and law enforcement operations, including hand crews, aircraft, and C-130 airplanes.9

• California Department of Social Services (CDSS): Working with Los Angeles County to ensure residents have access to critical safety net benefits, including food and shelter. CDSS is also distributing disaster assistance guides for all Californians, regardless of immigration status.

"The quick and aggressive response was crucial in preventing this fire from becoming another disaster," stated LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley. "The coordinated efforts of our firefighters, along with the assistance of other agencies, allowed us to protect lives and property."

By Thursday morning, the LAFD reported that the fire's advance had been halted. Crews remained on scene throughout the day, extinguishing hot spots and securing the perimeter. By afternoon, the fire was declared fully contained, and evacuation orders were lifted.

While the Sunset Fire is contained, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fire danger in the region. The Palisades Fire, burning to the west, continues to rage, having consumed thousands of acres and forcing mass evacuations.10 Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared as the Santa Ana winds persist.

The cause of the Sunset Fire is currently under investigation.