Southern California is currently grappling with a series of major wildfires, exacerbated by hurricane-strength winds that have led to red flag warnings and evacuation mandates across various regions. Among the blazes are the Palisades fire in the Pacific Palisades, the Eaton fire, the Hurst fire in Sylmar, and the Tyler fire in Riverside County. These areas are home to several significant cultural institutions that range from Hollywood nightlife hotspots to pioneering scientific facilities. Here’s an overview of how seven major landmarks stand amidst the ongoing fires:
### Sunset Boulevard
The renowned West Hollywood strip known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene faced gridlock as residents evacuated from the Palisades area. Officials directed individuals on Sunset Boulevard to abandon their vehicles and proceed on foot to safety. The Los Angeles Fire Department later cleared the abandoned cars to facilitate firefighting efforts. The section of Sunset Boulevard between San Vicente and Crescent Heights remains inaccessible.
### The Getty Villa and Getty Center
While some trees and vegetation were charred at the site of the Getty Villa— a Greco-Roman art museum along the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades—the institution confirmed that its collections and staff remained unscathed. Plans for fire containment and smoke management are in place. Both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, situated outside the current fire zone, will remain shuttered until at least Monday, Jan. 13.
### Will Rogers State Historic Park
The historic park, once belonging to actor Will Rogers, located in Pacific Palisades, is presently closed due to its exposure to wildfire impact.
### The Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory—a pivotal research center for robotic space exploration—is under evacuation orders owing to threats posed by the Eaton fire.
### Universal Studios and CityWalk
Although not subject to mandatory evacuations, Universal Studios theme park along with its accompanying dining, shopping outlets, and entertainment hub—CityWalk—are closed as a precautionary measure against extreme wind conditions caused by fires.
### The Hammer Museum at UCLA
The contemporary art venue—Hammer Museum at UCLA—remains shut down in response to nearby fires and severe weather alerts. However, operations continue normally within University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus where it is housed.
### The Rose Bowl
As of Wednesday morning, Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl stadium is deemed relatively safe from direct fire impact. It is being utilized as a refuge for large animals amid ongoing evacuation efforts coordinated by Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation surrounding these key landmarks amidst the Los Angeles fires.
