Los Angeles fires have also hit Hollywood and fashion

Fires continue to ravage Los Angeles, California, leading to the evacuation of 180,000 residents, including some movie and TV stars. Among the hardest-hit areas are Palisades, Malibu, and Santa Monica, with 30,000 acres burned. Some TikTok users have already used AI to create fake videos showing the Hollywood sign surrounded by fire, flames roaring behind it as in many apocalyptic films shot in the endangered studios. The damage caused by the fires is increasing by the hour, affecting the lives of Los Angeles residents as well as the fashion and entertainment industries, key economic powers of the city.

Currently, 1,500 hectares have been destroyed, with over 300,000 homes left without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us. According to CNN, the fire, which quickly spread in Southern California, appears to have started from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, although the cause of the outbreak is still unknown. Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that the cause of the disaster is still under investigation. Weather conditions have not been favorable. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin explained that strong winds (known as Santa Ana winds), low humidity, and recent drought worsened an already critical situation. Despite the winds decreasing in intensity after the disaster began, firefighters' efforts have not been able to contain the flames.

A state of emergency has been declared, with outgoing President Joe Biden canceling his scheduled trip to Italy to meet with White House officials and administration. Donald Trump wasted no time and blamed Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom for the tragedy, accusing him of not addressing the water shortage issue that has plagued the state and could have helped to promptly stop the fires. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed dismay after visiting the devastated areas affected by the wildfires: «It's unprecedented because we had tornado-strength winds without the usual accompanying rains. Conditions are extremely dry.» Unfortunately, fatalities have been reported, with the death toll rising to five after initial reports of two, and dozens more injured. Fifteen districts have closed schools, and according to the Los Angeles Times, about 1.1 million businesses and structures are engulfed by the fires. Iconic landmarks of the City of Angels are threatened, with Sunset Boulevard in ruins and the Walk of Fame at risk, along with many other famous spots in Hollywood and its beloved theaters, including celebrity homes. According to AccuWeather forecasts, economic losses for Los Angeles could reach $57 billion, potentially increasing even after the flames are extinguished.

Among the celebrities who have lost their homes in the recent fires are Paris Hilton and husband Carter Reum, whose $8.4 million beachfront villa in Malibu was completely destroyed, as announced by the socialite on Instagram, where she described watching her home burn live on TV. The $6.5 million Los Angeles home of spouses Adam Brody and Leighton Meester was also lost. Miles Teller and wife Keleigh Teller lost their newly purchased $7.5 million Pacific Palisades home, and in the same area, properties of Ana Paris ($4.9 million eco-friendly villa), Anthony Hopkins, and Cobie Smulders ($5.6 million, known for How I Met Your Mother) are affected. Ben Affleck had to evacuate his home and reportedly sought refuge with ex-wife and friend Jennifer Garner, according to TMZ. Mark Hamill, famous for Star Wars, announced on social media that he evacuated his Malibu home after seeing fires on both sides of the road, urging everyone to stay safe. The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who own a $14 million villa in Montecito, are also at risk of evacuating their home due to potential power outages and fire spread.

The outbreak of fires coincides with the award season, resulting in schedule adjustments. Some smaller events such as previews of Wolf Man, Inarrestabile, Better Man, and The Pitt have been canceled. The Afi Awards luncheon scheduled for January 10 has been postponed, along with the Bafta Tea Party on January 11 and the Critics Choice Awards on January 12 in Santa Monica, now rescheduled for January 26. Similarly, Academy Awards nominations by the approximately 10,000 members were originally due to close on January 12, now extended to the 14th, with the announcement of the Oscar 2025 nominations moved from January 17 to January 19. The ceremony will take place on March 2, hosted by Conan O'Brien.

Regarding fashion, the damage caused by the flames is immense. It's too early to determine how many shops and businesses have fallen victim to the Los Angeles fires, but the fire has reached residential neighborhoods and commercial development areas, affecting some of the city's shopping districts. The fire is indeed considered the most violent in Los Angeles history. According to Vogue Business, affected businesses include Entire Studios, whose entire staff had to evacuate to their downtown studio, and Palisades Village shopping center, home to brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Saint Laurent, partially affected by the flames.