As the Sunset Fire reached Hollywood Boulevard, several major venues along both legendary streets closed their doors out of an abundance of caution.
After a mandatory evacuation order was issued for the area on Wednesday evening, the Hollywood Bowl announced that its employees were cooperating with the matter, as Igor Levitt's evening concert was postponed.
“Due to the Sunset Fire, we have received evacuation orders and all Hollywood Bowl employees have safely evacuated the building,” the historic concert venue at X announced. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who work tirelessly to protect our community. ”
This statement comes shortly after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a new fire that broke out in the Runyon Canyon area near the Hollywood Hills, and has since spread to more than 50 acres. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for an area bounded by Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west, Mulholland Drive to the north, Highway 101 to the east, and Hollywood Boulevard to the south.
The Laugh Factory also announced on Instagram: “Tonight's shows have been cancelled. All ticket holders will be refunded.”
Earlier today, other venues announced they would be closing their doors out of safety, including The Comedy Store, which indicated that all ticket holders for January 8 and 9 would be given a full refund.
“Due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, The Comedy Store will be closed on January 8 and 9. “We are prioritizing the safety of our staff, performers and audience,” they announced on Instagram. “We are working to reschedule shows for these dates and will provide an update on the January 10 show.” almost.”
“Due to the danger of the ongoing fires, The Magic Castle will be temporarily closed. The safety and well-being of our valued staff, members and guests remains a priority,” The Magic Castle shared on its Instagram Story. [our] Top priority. Please stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Magic Castle soon. “
Fires broke out in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, the Hollywood Hills and other areas around Los Angeles County amid a “life-threatening and devastating” wind storm that began Tuesday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, at least five people had died in the fires, while more than 100,000 people had been ordered to evacuate, leaving more than 1.5 million people without power.
President Joe Biden, who extended his trip to Los Angeles on Wednesday to visit first responders and those affected, declared the fires a major disaster.
“More than 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities affected by wildfires in Southern California,” Biden wrote on X. “At least two people were killed. Many more were injured – including firefighters. It's devastating. To the people of Southern California: we are with you.”
