California wildfires devastate Los Angeles County, killing 5 and threatening thousands of homes

Actor and longtime Los Angeles resident Zachary Levi expressed strong criticism as California battles devastating wildfires, urging state leaders to be held accountable and describing the situation as "very personal" to him.

"This is the most devastating fire in Los Angeles history," a visibly shook-up Levi told "Jesse Watters Primetime" Wednesday night. "My family's from Ventura, California. I grew up there most of my life, and then I was in L.A. for 15 years."

He further compared the devastating wildfires on the news to "watching a post-apocalyptic war film." 

Levi stated why he believes California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the state's leadership should be held responsible. 

"This is just incredible mismanagement, incredibly poor leadership. I would go so far as to saying that it's criminally negligent because, I mean, Gavin Newsom has been either the governor for five years or lieutenant governor prior to that for eight, nine years, some of the worst fires we've ever had in California under that watch. He clearly knows that the biggest problem that we suffer in California are these fires. And, by the way, the mudslides that follow," Levi explained. 

"And for them to do essentially not just nothing, but worse than nothing, when firefighter budgets are being cut, when they are specifically, intentionally not doing the work that could be done to avoid these problems or to be able to effectively serve them when they are happening."

"There is something that's almost criminally intentional about this. Like, what are they doing? I don't know," Levi questioned.

"I have no idea why they are doing or not doing the things that they are doing. But they must be held responsible. This is not good leadership," he added.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Joshua Comins

TOPSHOT - Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked panic, with thousands ordered to evacuate January 7, 2025 as "life threatening" winds whipped the region. Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the 770-acre (310-hectare) blaze engulfing an area crammed with multi-million dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains. (Photo by David Swanson / AFP) (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)

The deadly wildfires in Southern California have brought forth stories of destruction and loss, as winds continue to fan the thousand-acre infernos.

The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires broke out Tuesday in Los Angeles County. Firefighters have worked tirelessly day and night to fight the fires. 

The Hurst Fire is the only one of the three with any containment. According to CALFire, the Hurst Fire is 10% contained. 

Photos and videos have told the stories of those affected, as homes and businesses burn and thousands of people are forced to evacuate.

On Wednesday, the Sunset Fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills. Evacuation orders for residents in the area of the Sunset Fire have since been lifted, fire officials said Thursday. 

A photo taken Wednesday night shows a helicopter spraying water high into the hills in an effort to contain the fire. 

Another photo shows the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills, behind a Hollywood Boulevard street sign. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox Weather's Hayley Vawter

Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels said on "Hannity" that the wildfire situation in Los Angeles County “has been so grossly mismanaged with regard to forestry and the water reserves in California that it should be criminal.” 

“I am absolutely outraged. I have friends losing their homes. People are running for their lives, they are begging for water. It’s disgusting and we do know that yes of course California has a problem with wildfires... but ultimately you can mitigate this situation with far better management of forestry and water reserves,” she continued. “And better preparedness.” 

“Gavin Newsom knew about this on Sunday, he said so in his own press conference and yet the National Guard was called – what – a few hours ago?” Michaels added. 

“I appreciate the need to protect the environment, but when people are losing their lives and their homes, I think you need to reassess your priorities,” she also said. 

Robert Lara looks through his home that was destroyed after the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 9. (AP/Nic Coury)

Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley warned in a memo in early December about the impacts of a decision to slash $17 million from the department’s budget, a report says. 

The budget reduction approved by Mayor Karen Bass left administrative roles at the department unfilled and trimmed funds from its overtime budget that were earmarked for training, fire prevention and other functions, according to NBC Los Angeles. 

"The reduction... has severely limited the department's capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires," Crowley reportedly wrote in a Dec. 4 memo that was presented to the Board of Fire Commissioners, which oversees the department. 

"Without this funding, pilot compliance and readiness are jeopardized, and aerial firefighting capabilities are diminished," the memo reportedly added. "Changes to the Air Operations Section impact the Department's ability to adhere to current automatic and mutual aid agreements, provide air ambulance service, and quickly respond to woodland fires with water dropping helicopters." 

Bass responded Thursday to criticism of her slashing the fire department’s budget last year, saying “there were no reductions that were made that would have impacted the situation that we were dealing with over the last couple of days.” 

A resident hoses down hot spots in a fire-ravaged property after the Palisades Fire swept through in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Wednesday, Jan. 8. (AP/Eugene Garcia)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded Thursday to criticism of her slashing the fire department’s budget last year, saying “there were no reductions that were made that would have impacted the situation that we were dealing with over the last couple of days.” 

From the 2023-2024 to the 2024-2025 budgets, the LAFD’s budget was reduced by over $17 million from $837,191,237 to $819,637,423.  

Bass had proposed a larger budget cut to the LAFD, about $23 million, but it was not adopted. 

The Democrat mayor was silent on Wednesday when she was confronted by a reporter over the matter. 

Yet on Thursday, during a press conference, she had a response when she was asked if she could “address the criticism now over the budget issue and $17 million slashing of the budget.” 

“I think if you go back and look at the reductions that were made, there were no reductions that were made that would have impacted the situation that we were dealing with over the last couple of days,” Bass said. 

“I think it's most important to understand that we were in tough budgetary times. Everybody knew that, but that the impact of our budget really did not impact what we've been going through over the last few days,” she added. 

FOX Business’ Breck Dumas contributed to this report. 

The cause of the devastating Palisades Fire is currently being looked into by “arson investigators,” Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said Thursday. 

“As for where the start of the fire was in the Palisades Fire --  again currently under active investigation. We have our arson investigators that are out right now as we speak, and they are actively investigating,” she said. 

“As soon as we have information, we will share that with all of you. I know there's obviously for the right reasons, a lot of interest in that,” Crowley added. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass argued with a reporter Thursday who was questioning her response to the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County. 

The reporter told Bass – who was out of the country at the time the fires broke out -- that Los Angeles County is in a “panic state” and that he watched homes burn to the ground shortly after the fires started without a single fire engine in sight. 

“My question to you is, what explains this lack of preparation and rapid response?” he asked Bass. 

“Let me just say, first and foremost my number one focus... is that we have to protect lives. We have to save lives, and we have to save homes," Bass started saying before the reporter interrupted her and said “that did not happen.” 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, chats with California Gov. Gavin Newsom while surveying damage during the Palisades Fire on Wednesday, Jan, 8. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

“Rest assured, let me finish. Rest assured, when that is done, when we are safe, when lives have been saved and homes have been saved, we will absolutely do an evaluation to look at what worked, what didn't work, and to correct or to hold accountable anybody, [any] department, individual, etc. But my focus right now is on the lives and on the homes,” Bass continued. 

“Do you think your leadership was effective while responding to this disaster?” the reporter then asked.  

“I just said what I believe is the most important thing for us to do right now, and that is going to continue to be my focus,” Bass said. 

An ATM is damaged by the Palisades Fire at a Bank of America branch in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9. (AP/Jae C. Hong)

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.  

“Over last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people -- who have been through so much -- of their property. Absolutely unacceptable,” Luna said. 

“I'm going to give direction to our department members -- as you know when we have an evacuation order, by law, if you remain in that area, you are guilty of a misdemeanor. If you commit certain crimes, it could jump up to a felony. I'm going to be asking our employees to start enforcing that,” Luna continued. 

“That is very different than a curfew. Why? Because it's 24/7. I don't have to wait for the sun to go down or the sun to come up. If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest. I hope that is as clear as I can make it,” Luna added. 

Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters Thursday that the Palisades Fire, which remains 0% contained, “is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.” 

“Damage assessments are ongoing at the Palisades Fire. However, preliminary reports estimate the damage or destroyed structures to be in the thousands,” she said. 

“Firefighters continue to move into the Southern California region from across the western region of the United States, and we are very, very grateful for any assistance that we are receiving,” Crowley continued. 

“Weather conditions are beginning to turn favorably. Which will allow us to increase our containment lines,” she also said. “Again, our primary focus remains on impacting and affecting rescues and saving lives while protecting property. 

Growth of the Eaton Fire near Pasadena “has been significantly stopped,” LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Thursday. 

“The Eaton Fire remains estimated to be 10,600 acres, and growth has been significantly stopped. And we have 0% containment,” he said. “We have over 879 firefighting personnel assigned and mutual aid resources continue to arrive to assist with this firefight.” 

“We have several reported injuries and over 1,000 structures damaged and destroyed. The cause of the fire remains unknown and it continues to be under active investigation,” Marrone added.  

The sun rises after the Palisades Fire ravaged homes in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Thursday, Jan. 9. (AP/Damian Dovarganes)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the multiple wildfires raging in her county Thursday as an “unprecedented historic firestorm.” 

“We are executing a strategy and we are adapting to conditions on the ground in real time,” she said. “This is absolutely an unprecedented historic firestorm. But we are all hands on deck. 

“President Biden, Governor Newsom have assured us of full state and federal support. And, of course, County Chair Barger and I are fully coordinated, as I am with all of the local elected officials and our fire departments, police departments, utilities and other critical agencies are coordinated as well,” Bass added. 

“Air operations are continuing rapidly in the Palisades, in Sylmar and across our region,” Bass also said.  

Los Angeles County Chair of the Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger told reporters Thursday that “the devastation could not be missed” as she drove through the streets of Altadena, Calif., where the Eaton Fire has been raging. 

“The number of homes, businesses and buildings that were on the fire dwarfed in any sense of available resources,” Barger said. 

“Yesterday afternoon, as the winds died down, we saw the return of aerial drops and aerial firefighting. A truly, truly welcome sight,” she added. “I want to assure our residents in Los Angeles County that the city of LA and the county are working hard and working hand in hand to bring every resource available to the table.” 

“Altadena is a resilient community. They have seen some significant battles before, but the scale of the impact today is larger than anything that I have seen in my career,” she continued. 

Barger also said, “We've all seen individuals who are targeting vulnerable communities by burglarizing and looting homes,” calling the acts “simply unacceptable.” 

"They have made 20 arrests of individuals who will be held accountable for the actions that they've taken," she announced.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials are set to hold a news conference regarding the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles County.

Embers are blown off a burning tree as the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 8. (AP/Nic Coury)

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned residents of looters and vowed to punish them Wednesday amid reports of looting in the county as firefighters struggle to contain multiple wildfires raging in Southern California, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire.

"While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much," the DA said in a statement.

"Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others—whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity -- will not go unpunished."

He vowed to hold thieves and other criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

"To those who are enduring hardship, please know that you are not alone," he said. "Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and everything you are doing."

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday that at least two people had been arrested on looting charges and warned potential copycats to stay out of evacuated homes.

This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Eaton Fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Altadena, Calif. (Maxar Technologies via AP)

T-Mobile says it is providing unlimited service plans and other relief supplies to customers and residents of southern California who are impacted by the wildfires. 

“We are offering unlimited talk, text and data for T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers in the cities of Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Palisades, Pasadena and Sierra Madre who do not currently have this as part of their service plan, effective Wednesday January 8 through Wednesday January 15,” the company said in a statement. 

“Our teams are on standby to deploy relief supplies, including Wi-Fi, device charging and “power packs” for charging, as conditions safely allow,” it added. 

The telecommunications company also said it is “coordinating with California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to support first responder command posts and staging sites ensuring critical connectivity.” 

The Los Angeles Fire Department announced Thursday morning that it is lifting evacuation orders for residents of Hollywood Hills who were impacted by the Sunset Fire. 

“At 7:30AM, the closed section of the Sunset Fire area North of Franklin [Avenue] will be OPEN and all evacuation orders LIFTED,” the department said. “We will still have LAFD companies working in the area and ask you to be careful while returning to your homes.” 

The Sunset Fire erupted Wednesday in the Hollywood Hills above Hollywood Boulevard, near Runyon Canyon, threatening some of the most popular Los Angeles tourist hotspots – including the iconic Hollywood sign. 

Fox News’ Bradford Betz contributed to this report. 

A map showing how the Palisades Fire spread in Los Angeles County. (Fox News)

The White House said Thursday morning that President Biden has been briefed “on the latest impacts of the wildfires across Los Angeles.” 

“After returning from the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter, President Biden will convene Senior White House and Administration officials this afternoon for a briefing on the full federal response he has directed to the wildfires,” it added in a statement. 

The White House said Wednesday that Biden will no longer travel to Italy and will instead remain in Washington to focus on "directing the full federal response" to the wildfires. 

Biden, who was in California during the outbreak of the fires, met with firefighting officials in Los Angeles on Wednesday. 

Fox News’ Nick Rojas and Louis Casiano contributed to this report. 

Dr. Cedric Rutland, a physician and national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, told “Fox & Friends First” on Thursday that particles inside the smoke coming from the California wildfires can trigger adverse health effects. 

“All of those particles can stimulate the inflammatory response first in your lung. Some of these particles will diffuse across membranes in your lung directly into your bloodstream, increasing your blood pressure, causing other damage across your body,” he continued. 

“There were 80 to 100 mile per hour winds the other day and that was affecting a significant number of residents in all of southern California just because of the fires surrounding Los Angeles,” Rutland added. “As a health care provider, I’m getting phone calls in Orange County about people exacerbating from their respiratory illnesses like asthma, like COPD.” 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn on Wednesday, Jan. 8 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles are exposing the “gross incompetence” of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. 

“Fire is spreading rapidly for 3 days -- ZERO CONTAINMENT. Nobody has ever seen such failed numbers before!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

“Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and Karen Bass…. And Biden’s FEMA has no money -- all wasted on the Green New Scam! L.A. is a total wipeout!!!” Trump added. 

"Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way," Trump said on Wednesday. 

Fire officials are hoping calmer winds Thursday morning can help them combat the five Los Angeles area wildfires that have prompted tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

Meanwhile, many stories of survival are surfacing. Aaron Samson, 48, was caring for his 83-year-old father-in-law in his Pacific Palisades home when the time came to flee on Tuesday. They had no car, so Samson flagged down a neighbor who agreed to give them and their belongings a ride. 

Samson began recording their escape, with flames and smoke surrounding the two as they abandoned a car. While Samson was retrieving a walker for his father-in-law, a woman could be heard screaming in panic as firefighters continued to usher the crowd along. 

"We got it, Dad," Samson can be heard saying over and over again as they evacuated on Tuesday.

"My father-in-law was saying, ‘Aaron, if we are ever in a position where the flames are right there, you just run and leave me here,'" Samson told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

It did not get to that point. They walked for about 15 minutes before, for the second time in a matter of hours, a good Samaritan picked them up, then drove them to safety in Santa Monica.

SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk speaks during an America PAC town hall on Oct. 26, 2024 in Lancaster, Pa. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

As raging fires ravage California, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, wealthy business magnate Elon Musk announced that SpaceX will supply free Starlink terminals to impacted areas in Los Angeles. 

He made the announcement when retweeting footage of a reporter crediting Starlink internet service with connectivity. 

The reporter said that Starlink is "the only reason we're able to hear and communicate with you guys right now because there's absolutely no cell service at all in this whole area."

Musk has claimed that wildfires in the Golden State could have been prevented, but regulations get in the way of taking steps to prevent the infernos.

"These fires are easily avoidable, but nonsense regulations in California prevent action being taken, so year after year homes burn down and more people die," Musk declared in a post on X.

Actor and Los Angeles native Dean Cain told “Fox & Friends” on Thursday that the ongoing wildfires in southern California are a “perfect storm of mismanagement and failure of leadership.” 

“The Santa Ana winds aren’t new. Fires in this part of California are not new. We grew up fighting them and knowing what was going on,” he said. “What is new is these decades of just absolute terrible leadership, failure to prepare, insane regulations, bureaucracy. It’s crazy and it all came to fruition today.” 

Los Angeles' budget has been in the spotlight following revelations that Mayor Karen Bass cut funding to the fire department last year while prioritizing spending on the city's homeless population. 

When asked by a reporter about the budget cuts on Wednesday, Bass was captured on video remaining silent. 

“It’s absolutely stunning. That is an elected official, the mayor of Los Angeles, cannot answer a direct question in the middle of an absolute emergency,” Cain said in reaction to the video. “That is the kind of failure of leadership that I’m talking about.” 

FOX Business' Breck Dumas contributed to this report.

An aid organization tending to those impacted by the devastating California wildfires says emergency medical equipment and “essential medications” are their greatest needs. 

“Right now the greatest need for those impacted by the wildfires are really emergency medical equipment – so they need PPE, personal protective equipment – and all of the things that you wouldn’t necessarily think about in a fire,” Direct Relief Emergency Response Manager Aaron Rabinowitz told “Fox & Friends First.” 

“They need absolutely essential medications and also the daily medications,” he continued. “What we are seeing right now are people who are... leaving their homes and cut off to their daily supply of medications.” 

“Things that are part of a daily routine, but if you don’t have access to them everyday, they suddenly can become life-threatening,” Rabinowitz also said. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, speaking late Wednesday at a news conference regarding the wildfires, appeared to tell residents to visit the website “URL” if they need help. 

“Make no mistake, Los Angeles will rebuild stronger than ever. Right now, if you need help, emergency information, resources and shelter is available. All of this can be found at URL. Los Angeles together is how we will get through this,” Bass said while reading off a script. 

The mayor has been facing criticism for being in Ghana for a presidential inauguration there when the fires broke out in her city on Tuesday. 

When Bass returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday, she remained silent after being asked by a reporter, "Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning?” 

The City of Los Angeles’ website says fire updates and evacuation orders are being provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

Actor and longtime Los Angeles resident Zachary Levi expressed strong criticism as California battles devastating wildfires, urging state leaders to be held accountable and describing the situation as "very personal" to him.

"This is the most devastating fire in Los Angeles history," a visibly shook-up Levi told "Jesse Watters Primetime" Wednesday night. "My family's from Ventura, California. I grew up there most of my life, and then I was in L.A. for 15 years."

He further compared the devastating wildfires on the news to "watching a post-apocalyptic war film." 

Levi stated why he believes California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the state's leadership should be held responsible. 

"This is just incredible mismanagement, incredibly poor leadership. I would go so far as to saying that it's criminally negligent because, I mean, Gavin Newsom has been either the governor for five years or lieutenant governor prior to that for eight, nine years, some of the worst fires we've ever had in California under that watch. He clearly knows that the biggest problem that we suffer in California are these fires. And, by the way, the mudslides that follow," Levi explained. 

Pedestrians help a firefighter stretch a hose as an apartment building burns on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Altadena section of Pasadena, Calif. (AP/Chris Pizzello)

Thousands of firefighting personnel are currently battling the multiple wildfires in Los Angeles County, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said. 

“More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires,” he wrote late Wednesday on X. “Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're near impacted areas.” 

Newsom added that the deployment includes more than 1,100 fire engines, 31 helicopters and 53 bulldozers. 

“For the second night in a row, firefighters will be working through the night battling blazes in Los Angeles,” Mayor Karen Bass also wrote on X. “On behalf of a grateful City, we thank you.” 

As of early Thursday, the two largest fires in the region – the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire – remain 0% contained, according to Cal Fire. 

Fallon Prockiw-Kline gets emotional in front of her home which was devastated by the Palisades Fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Malibu, Calif. (AP/Etienne Laurent)

The announcement of nominees for the 97th Academy Awards has been delayed due to the ongoing wildfires across Los Angeles County, a report says. 

The nominees will now be revealed on Jan. 19 instead of Jan. 17, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer said Wednesday in a letter to members, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Voting for the nominations reportedly was extended by two days as well, to Jan. 14. 

“We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California,” Kramer was quoted as saying. “So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you.” 

Multiple wildfires are raging across Los Angeles County early Thursday. (FOX Weather)

More than 2,000 homes, businesses and other structures have been damaged or destroyed and at least five people are dead as multiple wildfires are raging Thursday in Los Angeles County. 

The two largest fires – the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, and the Eaton Fire centered around the city of Pasadena – remain 0% contained and have burned nearly 30,000 combined acres. 

Cal Fire is reporting some containment with the smaller Hurst Fire and Lidia Fires, while the Sunset Fire, which erupted near Hollywood Hills Wednesday night, appears to be under control, according to authorities who spoke to Fox News. 

At least 130,000 people in the region are under evacuation orders. More than 200,000 people are without power early Thursday, according to the website Poweroutage.us. 

A Red Flag Warning is currently in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as there is “potential for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior,” the National Weather Service said. 

Wind gusts in the region are forecast to reach speeds of up to 55 mph Thursday. 

Los Angeles City and County officials also are expected to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. ET to provide more information on firefighting efforts. 

Water is dropped by helicopter on the burning Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 8. (AP/Ethan Swope)

Another fire broke out in the hills above Hollywood Boulevard Wednesday, further burdening overwhelmed firefighters who are already battling multiple fires in Los Angeles.

The latest fire, near Runyon Canyon, was threatening some of the most popular Los Angeles tourist hotspots -- including the iconic Hollywood sign -- as firefighters battled to contain other blazes.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, meanwhile, was bustling and the streets around the TCL Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds were packed with stop-and-go traffic as sirens blared and low-flying helicopters flew overhead to dump water on the flames, which were only about a mile away. People toting suitcases left hotels while some onlookers walked toward the flames, recording the fire on their phones.

Within a few hours firefighters had made major progress. Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said they were able to keep the fire in check because “we hit it hard and fast and mother nature was a little nicer to us today than she was yesterday.”

The latest fire comes as firefighters in Los Angeles and neighboring communities are battling the Palisades Fire, the Hurst Fire, the Lidia Fire, and the Eaton Fire, the latter of which, has claimed the lives of five people.  At least 130,000 people were under evacuation orders.

Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Los Angeles Fire Department captain Sheila Kelliher described the scorched hillsides, "dramatic and apocalyptic."

Kelliher said she wached winds "whip up to 70, 80, even 100 miles an hour," further fanning the flames."

Photo of Uber and Lyft stickers on vehicle windshield.

Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber announced in separate statements that they will be offering free and discounted rides to residents in the affected areas of the devastating fires plaguing Southern California.

The users will be able to travel to and from shelters with critical resources.

Lyft says users can use the code “CAFIRERELIEF25” for a free Lyft ride worth up to $25. Each user can use the code for two rides maximum.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires in California,” said Lyft Social Impact Manager Celia Moreno. “At Lyft, safety is our top priority. We’re closely monitoring the evolving conditions and staying in touch with our drivers, riders, and local officials. Lyft is committed to providing access to reliable transportation, especially in emergencies to support communities in need.”

Uber released a similar offer saying users can redeem a free ride up to $40 by applying the promo code “WILDFIRE25” in their Uber app when requesting a ride to a designated shelter location.

Each user can redeem two free trips until Jan. 15.

Shelters being valid at this this time for free Uber rides include:

Pasadena Civic Auditorium – 300 E. Green St, Pasadena

Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles

El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima

A fire truck drives down Lake Street as the Eaton Fire moves through the area Wednesday in Altadena, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Southern California Edison (SCE), a power company that services 15 million people across Southern, Central and Coastal California, said the weather conditions in Los Angeles County are too unsafe for power to be restored for the hundreds of thousands experiencing outages.

The company said customers may experience several days of outages as the windstorm and wildfires have made it too unsafe for electric power restorations. An estimated date for restorations was not given.

"This extreme weather event is a rapidly evolving situation. While the most severe winds have started to abate, this weather is expected to continue through the early part of the weekend," SCE said in a news release.

As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 413,639 SCE customers were experiencing power outages and 453,872 were under a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch.

While SCE's coverage area does not include areas impacted by the Palisades and Hurst wildfires, it does include areas impacted by the Eaton Fire, which has claimed five lives since it began on Tuesday afternoon.

"SCE has transmission facilities on the east side of Eaton Canyon. SCE’s distribution lines immediately to the west of Eaton Canyon were de-energized well before the reported start time of the fire, as part of SCE’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program," the company said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the majority of the evacuation zone for the Sunset Fire has been lifted.

The listed exceptions to the lift include the area North of Franklin Ave from Camino Palmero St (East border) to N Sierra Bonita Ave (West border) due to LAFD ensuring that no flare-ups occur in the vegetation and surrounding streets.

Officials are urging residents to be cautious when returning to homes as the firefighters continue to work in the neighborhoods.