by Abb Jones
The Reelness

Fierce wind gusts and months-long drought conditions have contributed to the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles history, burning more than 28,000 acres and killing at least five people, with no real containment in sight. Currently there are five fires, with more Santa Ana winds forecasted to sweep through the city starting Thursday night at gusts from 40 to 60 mph, continuing into Friday night.

Evacuation orders currently are in effect for four parts of Los Angeles County. Fire erupted in Runyon Canyon Wednesday night, prompting evacuations of Hollywood as it quickly spread towards the nation’s film capital, but firefighters succeeded in bringing that fire under control. The famous Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory were just outside the evacuation zone, with the Hollywood Bowl and Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, within the zone.

Evacuation orders currently are in effect for four parts of Los Angeles County. Fire erupted in Runyon Canyon Wednesday night, prompting evacuations of Hollywood as it quickly spread towards the nation’s film capital, but firefighters for now have succeeded in bringing that fire mostly under control.

The scene in Pacific Palisades and the coastal town of Malibu, home to many celebrities, is particularly grim.

The homes of numerous stars have been destroyed, among them Adam Brody and Leighton Meister, Billy Crystal, Denise Crosby, Cary Elwes, Anna Faris, John Goodman, Jennifer Grey, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Ricki Lake, Cameron Mathison, Mandy Moore, Melissa Rivers, Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam, Miles Teller, and songwriter Diane Warren. Palisades Charter High School, a popular film location for the films Carrie and Freaky Friday, has been damaged.