LA fires spread to Hollywood Hills as firefighters struggle to contain infernos

Fire in coastal Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, the most destructive in LA history, according to the Wildfire Alliance, remains the largest of 5 blazes in LA

-WASHINGTON- (AA)

The Hollywood Hills became the scene of the latest Los Angeles area wildfire Wednesday night as firefighters struggled to contain out-of-control infernos that have claimed at least five lives and destroyed an estimated 1,100 homes, businesses, and other buildings.

The fire in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, the most destructive in Los Angeles history, according to the Wildfire Alliance, remains the largest blaze after it first erupted on Tuesday, burning 15,832 acres near the coast.

The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills has grown to over 60 acres near the iconic Runyon Canyon, making it the latest site of increasingly out-of-control infernos wreaking havoc across the Los Angeles area. Evacuation orders have been issued in the area as the fast-moving fire moves southwest towards Hollywood Boulevard, site of the historic Walk of Fame.

With the addition of the Sunset Fire, the number of active blazes in the city rose to five, forcing over 100,000 local residents to flee their homes.

Several shelters have been set up in various areas of the city for displaced people.

In addition, more than 450,000 customers were without electricity in Southern California, and drinking water in four districts was declared unsafe, authorities said.

Property losses might exceed $10 billion, based on initial assessments by investment services company JPMorgan, according to media reports

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the area over the fire until Friday evening and winds are expected to shift to the north overnight.