Wildfires raging across Los Angeles have claimed at least five lives and forced thousands from their homes. Among the latest outbreaks is the "Sunset Fire," spreading across the Hollywood Hills near landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, Dolby Theatre, and Hollywood Bowl.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the Sunset Fire had grown to 20 acres, with mandatory evacuation orders issued for areas including Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, and Hollywood Boulevard. Residents in parts of Santa Monica, Altadena, and the San Fernando Valley have also been asked to evacuate as other fires, such as the Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton fires, remain active and largely uncontained.

The Palisades Fire, igniting earlier this week, has become the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Across Southern California, nearly 137,000 people have been evacuated, and over 17 million residents are under smoke advisories. Power outages have left more than 1.5 million customers without electricity, with Ventura and Los Angeles counties among the worst affected.

The wildfires have caused severe resource challenges for firefighters, with water shortages forcing them to use swimming pools and ponds to battle the flames. In Pasadena, power outages hindered efforts to combat the deadly Eaton Fire.

Many celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Jamie Lee Curtis, have reportedly lost their homes. Other Hollywood stars, such as Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, and Tom Hanks, have properties in the threatened areas.

Political Criticism Mounts Amid Crisis

President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their handling of the wildfire crisis. Trump accused Biden of leaving inadequate resources for disaster management and faulted Newsom's environmental policies, which he claimed prioritized "worthless fish" over people.

In response, Biden signed a federal disaster declaration to allocate resources to impacted communities.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced backlash for being out of the country when the fires erupted. Bass, who had been in Ghana for a presidential delegation, defended her actions, stating she was in constant communication with city officials during her trip. Reports also surfaced that her administration had reduced the fire department’s budget by $17 million the previous year, drawing further criticism.

Efforts to contain the wildfires are ongoing, with officials racing against time to protect lives and property as Southern California grapples with one of its worst wildfire seasons.