New Wildfire Erupts Near Calabasas and Hidden Hills; Mandatory Evacuations Downgraded

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A fresh wildfire has ignited in West Hills, California, near residential properties in the neighborhoods of Calabasas and Hidden Hills.

Around 2:30 in the afternoon, a fire known as the Kenneth Fire ignited at the western end of Victory Boulevard. By 5 p.m., it had burned through approximately 800 acres of dry vegetation, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds.

Or, more concisely:

The Kenneth Fire, which started at around 2:30 p.m. near the west end of Victory Boulevard, has scorched nearly 800 acres of brush by 5 p.m., propelled by gusty Santa Ana winds.

Initially, residents in areas stretching from Vanowen Street down to Burbank Boulevard and County Lane Road eastward to Valley Circle Boulevard were instructed to evacuate urgently, as per the Los Angeles Fire Department. However, this order was later reduced to an evacuation advisory around 5:15 p.m.

The Los Angeles Fire Department initially ordered mandatory evacuations for zones spanning from Vanowen Street southwards to Burbank Boulevard, and County Lane Road eastward to Valley Circle Boulevard. But right before 5:15 p.m., the order was changed to an evacuation warning instead.

Difficult terrain and constant winds make it harder for firefighters to control fires, so residents must stay alert and follow the guidelines given by local officials, incident commanders warned in an update.

Notably, the upscale community of Hidden Hills has grown to be a popular haven for numerous A-list celebrities in recent times. Some of its high-profile residents include Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, and Lil Wayne, among others.

On Tuesday, wildfires started in Pacific Palisades, later spreading towards Malibu and Santa Monica during the night. By early Thursday, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the Palisades Fire was not at all under control. Meanwhile, two other ongoing wildfires in the LA area – the Eaton and Woodley fires – remain uncontained as well. The Lidia fire is currently 40% contained, while the Hurst fire is only 10% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

A fresh fire, known as the Sunset Fire, ignited on Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, posing a threat to famous attractions such as the Hollywood Bowl and other tourist spots. However, by Thursday morning, firefighters managed to control the flames, and all evacuation notices were rescinded.

This is a developing story.

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2025-01-10 05:54