Five dead and Hollywood Boulevard evacuated as 100,000 flee California wildfires

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The famous Hollywood Boulevard was cleared out as warnings have been issued suggesting that another 100,000 residents should ready themselves to leave their homes due to the destructive wildfires.

The most recent intense fire started in the Hollywood Hills and quickly approached within a mile of the iconic Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Helicopters were seen flying low to release water onto the flames, while tourists and locals alike evacuated hotels on foot; some spectators even moved closer to film the conflagration on their mobile devices. At least five lives have been claimed by the fires rampaging across southern California, with renowned figures such as Diane Warren witnessing their properties being consumed by the inferno.

Presently, in just the Hollywood Hills zone, over 1,000 buildings, predominantly residences, have been levelled, and evacuation orders affect upwards of 130,000 individuals. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has confirmed aerial firefighting efforts are underway and cautioned about "erratic winds," though not at the hurricane force experienced on Tuesday evening when large-scale damage took place.

More than six local schools have suffered damage or destruction, among them Palisades Charter High School which is notable for its appearances in numerous Hollywood works including the 1976 movie "Carrie" and the TV series "Teen Wolf," authorities report.

Jose Velasquez took action to protect his Altadena home by dousing it with water as embers fell from the sky. Miraculously, his property was spared, reports the Mirror.

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He recounted: "We had to call a few people and then we had people messaging, asking if their house was still standing."

However, others in the district, located in the Verdugo Mountains area of Los Angeles, weren't so lucky, with homes and businesses destroyed. The devastation has left swimming pools tainted with ash and luxury cars ruined atop melted tyres.

In Pacific Palisades, over a thousand structures have been affected, marking one of the most catastrophic fires in Los Angeles' recent history, causing injuries to residents and first responders alike. President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency after meeting with Gov.

Gavin Newsom at a Santa Monica fire station, where they were briefed on the situation. Newsom has also mobilised National Guard troops for assistance.

Amidst the chaos, several Hollywood studios have halted filming, and Universal Studios has temporarily shut down its theme park situated between Pasadena and Pacific Palisades.

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