The wildfires surrounding Los Angeles have spread to the Hollywood Hills, a residential neighborhood overlooking the city’s historic Hollywood area.
The Sunset fire broke out around 18:00 (14:00 GMT) on Wednesday, blanketing much of Hollywood in thick smoke and forcing evacuations.
As I was driving in Hollywood, I saw many people fleeing their homes with whatever belongings they could carry.
As I stopped, some of them answered me in fear and anxiety.
“Are you here to help people? Where do I go?” Anna Waldman asked as I got out of the car.
“Where is it safe?”
Sirens blared above us and helicopter blades flapped.
As I helped her to a safe area, she told me she was walking her dogs and planned to stop by the store when she smelled heavy smoke.
She returned home, looked out the windows and watched as the fire moved quickly through the Hollywood Hills a block from her home.
She packed what she could: food, clothes, blankets, food for her three small dogs.
– I can’t believe it – she said exhausted.
Makayla Jackson (26) held her two-year-old son Ramari on the street corner as they waited for a ride. They were evacuated from a homeless shelter that was in danger of fire.
“They just told us to get out and go,” she told me.
She said she headed toward Hollywood High School, where extra help was being offered.
Much of the heart of Hollywood is covered in thick smoke. You can barely see the tops of the tall palm trees that line the streets here.
There is chaos on the streets near the fire. People use sweatpants to cover their faces so they can breathe. Many carry bags and suitcases looking for somewhere to go.
Some are wearing pajamas, obviously surprised.
Many roads near the fire, such as the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, which includes the Hollywood Walk of Fame, are jammed with traffic.
Some even drive on the wrong side of the road to escape.
The inferno could be seen from nearby highways, lighting up the darkness with bright red hues.
But on the outskirts of the legendary city, nothing seems to be happening. People dine, shop and spend their evenings.
