A wildfire in Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood Hills has ignited widespread concern, with social media flooded by photos showing flames dangerously close to the historic Magic Castle Club. The blaze, which started at Runyon Canyon, has grown to 20 acres and prompted evacuation orders for areas north of Hollywood Boulevard, east of Laurel Canyon, and west of the 101 freeway.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that the fire broke out just before 6 PM local time on Wednesday. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley addressed the severity of the situation, stating:
“I don’t have a lot of information. I can tell you we’re throwing all of our available resources at it as we speak.”
The Magic Castle Responds
As flames encroached on the area, the Magic Castle, a 62-year-old institution cherished for its rich history and as a hub for magicians, announced it would close its doors. Hervé Levy, the club’s general manager, expressed concern in an official statement:
“The Magic Castle has been a part of the L.A. fabric for 62 years. Like many communities in Los Angeles, we find ourselves hoping for the best and have taken what measures we can safely take. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has or may be impacted by this tragedy.”
Images circulating on social media showed the fire’s glow eerily close to the beloved landmark, intensifying worries about its fate.
Other Closures Amid the Blaze
The impact of the wildfire extended beyond the Magic Castle. The TCL Chinese Theatres, another iconic Hollywood landmark, also closed its doors as a precaution. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the theatre management announced:
“FYI – we have closed the theatre tonight and sent employees home. If you had tickets for tonight, please reach out tomorrow and we will issue you a full refund. Please stay safe everyone.”
Evacuation orders remain in effect for neighborhoods near the fire zone. Residents are urged to leave immediately if instructed to do so and avoid areas of active firefighting efforts. The LAFD is working to contain the blaze while urging locals to stay updated through official channels.
As the fire continues to threaten landmarks and homes, Los Angeles residents and businesses are grappling with the devastating impact. The Magic Castle Club, TCL Chinese Theatres, and other affected venues serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of cherished institutions during natural disasters.
Stay tuned for updates as emergency services battle to contain the blaze and protect the heart of Hollywood.