Heavy winds fueled a massive brush fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, destroying homes, leaving thousands without power, and forcing Hollywood to scramble.
The fire was initially reported around 10:30 a.m., according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Because of the warm conditions, and hurricane force winds, the blaze grew to 2,921 acres by 6:30 p.m. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
More than 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate the area. But as traffic started to back up on narrow hillside roads, and the flames inched closer, people abandoned their cars.
Unfortunately, the abandoned vehicles prevented fire trucks from reaching burning buildings and a bulldozer was brought in to clear a path.
KTLA5 aired footage of the bulldozer literally destroying the cars — including several luxury vehicles — to make way for first responders and fire crews.
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Later in the day, the smaller Eaton Fire broke out in the Altadena/Pasadena area.
With thick smoke blanketing the region and traffic gridlocked, Hollywood was heavily affected.
Amazon MGM Studios canceled Tuesday night’s red carpet premiere for the sports film Unstoppable, starring Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña and Don Cheadle.
The premiere had been scheduled to take place at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.
“In light of today’s safety concerns around heightened wind activity and fire outbreaks in Los Angeles, we regret to inform you that we are cancelling tonight’s premiere of Unstoppable,” the studio told The Hollywood Reporter.
Universal Pictures opted not to hold the premiere of the film Wolf Man, starring Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
“Tonight’s premiere of Wolf Man is cancelled due to sensitivities around the worsening weather situation in L.A. and related evacuations,” the studio said in a statement.
Paramount Pictures additionally canceled Wednesday’s premiere of the docudrama Better Man, starring Robbie Williams.
“Due to the dangerous conditions affecting Los Angeles, we are canceling tomorrow’s premiere of Better Man,” Paramount said. “Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating fires resulting from these conditions, and we encourage everyone to stay safe and follow guidance and orders from local officials and government agencies.”
Organizers also canceled the live nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which were scheduled for Wednesday morning. Awards staff posted the announcement on social media Tuesday night.
“In an abundance of caution for the safety of our presenters, guests, and staff, the live in-person 31st Annual SAG Awards nominations announcement has been cancelled due to the wildfires and adverse wind conditions in Los Angeles,” read the statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Nominees will be unveiled tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. PT via press release and the SAG Awards website.”
31st Screen Actors Guild Awards® Nominations Announcement Update pic.twitter.com/v7dvzIQtc0
— SAG Awards® (@SAGawards) January 8, 2025
The famed Getty Museum in Pacific Palisades closed its doors on Tuesday as flames threatened the facility.
“At the Getty Villa, some trees & vegetation on site have burned, but no structures are on fire, and staff and the collection remain safe. The Villa is closed to non-emergency staff and the public,” the museum said in a statement on X.
The Getty will remain closed until Jan. 13.
