Wildfires in LA: Evacuation Order Lifted for Hollywood Hills West

A wildfire in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills West neighborhood has been brought under control, prompting authorities to lift the evacuation order that had been in place since Friday. The LA Fire Department (LAFD) cautioned residents to “be careful while returning to your homes” as they began to trickle back into the area.

The Sunset Fire, one of at least five large-scale wildfires currently ravaging LA and neighboring areas, had prompted the evacuation of around 15,000 local residents. The fire, which began on Tuesday in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, has already claimed the lives of at least five people.

The LAFD lifted the evacuation order for Hollywood Hills West at 07:30 local time (15:30 GMT) on Thursday, allowing residents to return to their homes. However, the area remains on high alert, with firefighters continuing to battle the blaze.

The wildfires have caused widespread devastation across LA, with many homes and businesses destroyed. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal have lost their homes in the fires. Around 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate across LA County, with many seeking shelter in temporary facilities.

The cause of the wildfires is still unknown, but experts say that rising global temperatures are making wildfires more likely in California. The LA Fire Department has experienced water shortages while battling the blazes, and has had to resort to taking water from swimming pools and ponds.