Firefighters make progress on Sunset fire in Hollywood Hills: Evacuation orders expected to be lifted

Firefighters have made significant progress battling a fast-moving fire burning in Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills and evacuations orders were expected to be lifted Thursday morning.

The fire had been burning south toward Hollywood Boulevard. Firefighters on scene said the fire had been 50 acres at its peak, and was now down to 42.3 — in retreat.

Evacuations

An evacuation zone was initially established for the area between the 101 Freeway on the east and Laurel Canyon on the west, and between Mulholland Drive on the north and Hollywood Boulevard on the south. An evacuation advisory was also issued to a wider swath of Hollywood Boulevard south to Sunset Boulevard and west to Coldwater Canyon Drive.

Citing improving conditions on the ground, the Los Angeles Fire Department was expected to lift all evacuation orders for the fire by 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Firefighters will remain in the area and LAFD advises residents to “be careful while returning to your homes.”

Roads

Officials were urging people to avoid the area Thursday morning so residents could safely return to their homes.