Hollywood Hills Brush Fire Strikes at Cahuenga Pass, Prompts Voluntary Evacuation
Police and firefighters remain on the scene of the blaze to ensure fire is out completely.
A Hollywood Hills Fire started Tuesday afternoon near the northbound 101 Freeway and the Cahuenga Pass, which quickly spread to 18 acres. More than 200 fighters responded to the scene, while the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department announced a voluntary evacuation along the Holly Drive area. The brush fire was finally controlled after three hours.
Map of Fire
According to Margaret Stewart, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department, residents reported smoke and fire around 3 p.m. along the freeway. The fire made its way on an elevation near the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre which moved towards San Marcos Drive. This area is known for its exclusive communities and luxury homes. The smoke from the blaze was seen as far as Los Angeles, Burbank and the surrounding areas.
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Aerial Firefighters in Action
Firefighters were able to efficiently control the brush fire thanks to its aerial division. The aerial teams used water from the Hollywood Reservoir and dumped it over the blaze. Around 6 p.m., firefighters were able to contain the fire and estimated that they need several more hours to stop the blaze completely.
No Properties Affected by Blaze
Firefighters said that it is still unclear as to what started the blaze, but there were no casualties and injuries, and there were no properties damaged during the brush fire. Power lines were downed in some areas. Local police will remain on the scene to ensure safety of residents while voluntary evacuees may now return to their homes.
Mototorists Warned of Delays in the Cahuenga Pass
The northbound lanes of the Cahuenga Pass were forced to close because of the blaze, and motorists were advised to take Highland Avenue as an alternate route to reach 101 Freeway. California Highway Patrol also closed exit and entry ramps to the 101 Freeway northbound lane until further notice. Motorists are warned of further delays as firefighters and police are still on the scene.
Residents Took to Social Media
As emergency teams responded to the blaze, residents took to social media to warn people who are headed to Hollywood Hills and also to alert authorities. Jon Miller @Jonnydeth tweeted a picture of Hollywood Hills fire at 3:15 p.m. with the blaze and smoke coming from the hillside.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has reported that Hollywood Hills and area around the fire had a temperature of 86 degrees and southeast winds of up to 30mph.
