With the Sunset Fire reaching Hollywood Blvd., several major venues along both legendary streets have closed their doors out of caution.
After a mandatory evacuation was ordered for the area on Wednesday night, the Hollywood Bowl announced that its staff was cooperating with the order, as the evening’s Igor Levit concert was postponed.
“Due to the Sunset Fire, we have received evacuation orders and all Hollywood Bowl staff have safely evacuated the premises,” the historic concert venue announced on X. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our community.”
The statement comes shortly after Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a new brush fire that broke out in the Runyon Canyon vicinity of Hollywood Hills, having since spread to more than 50 acres. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for an area bounded by Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west, Mulholland Drive on the north, the 101 Freeway on the east and Hollywood Boulevard on the south.
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The Laugh Factory also announced on Instagram, “Tonight’s shows have been canceled. All ticket holders will be refunded.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our community. pic.twitter.com/W7FFB2Ip7d
— Hollywood Bowl (@HollywoodBowl) January 9, 2025
Earlier in the day, other venues announced they were closing out of safety, including The Comedy Store, which noted that all ticket holders for Jan. 8 and 9 will be fully refunded.
“Due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, The Comedy Store will be closed on January 8th and 9th. We prioritize the safety of our staff, performers and audience,” they announced on Instagram. “We’re working on rescheduling the shows for these dates and will provide an update on the January 10th show soon.”
The Magic Castle shared on their Instagram Story, “Due to the severity of the ongoing fires, The Magic Castle will be temporarily closed. The safety and well-being of our beloved staff, members and guests remain [our] highest priority. Please stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Magic Castle soon.”
Fires have broken out in Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, the Hollywood Hills and other areas around Los Angeles County amid a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm that picked up Tuesday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, at least five people have died in the fires, while more than 100,000 have been ordered to evacuate, and more than 1.5 million people have been left without power.
President Joe Biden, who extended his Los Angeles trip on Wednesday to visit first responders and those affected, declared the fires a major disaster.
“Over 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires,” wrote Biden on X. “At least two people have been killed. And many more are injured — including firefighters. It’s devastating. To the residents of Southern California: We are with you.”
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