Photos | Hollywood in flames: Mansion of Biden's son reduced to ashes

As of Jan. 9 local time, the most severe wildfire in Los Angeles (LA) history is still sweeping through the city. The core of the American film industry has also been affected, as the latest large fire that broke out near the Hollywood Hills in LA has quickly spread, resulting in the destruction of multiple buildings.

LA Wildfire Engulfs Hollywood Hills

On the evening of Jan. 8, a "Sunset Fire" erupted in the Hollywood Hills. The wildfire raged near the Hollywood Bowl, just 1 kilometer away from the famous Hollywood landmark, the Walk of Fame.

The LA Fire Department immediately issued evacuation orders, requiring residents in the area south of Hollywood Boulevard, north to Mulholland Drive, east to Highway 101, and west to Laurel Canyon Boulevard to evacuate. This area includes several iconic locations in the Hollywood film and music industry. The famous Hollywood Sign is located just across the highway.

The fire has also spread to globally renowned entertainment landmarks and affluent areas of LA, with the residences of many Hollywood film stars and California celebrities being consumed by the flames, including Vice President Harris's residence.

Harris's Residence Affected, Biden's Son's Mansion "Reduced to Ashes"

On Jan. 8 local time, Vice President Kamala Harris's press secretary confirmed that Harris's residence in LA was within the evacuation zone due to the Palisades Fire. At the time of the incident, the residence was unoccupied.

According to several foreign media reports on Jan. 9, Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Biden, had his mansion in Malibu reduced to ashes by the wildfire. Earlier that day, Biden stated they had received notification that the residence might have been destroyed, but the exact situation was still uncertain. Many celebrities' mansions have also been consumed by the wildfires.

Due to the extensive fire, a large number of luxury cars were abandoned on the streets, including Lexus, BMW, and Porsche vehicles scattered around, prompting the fire department to clear the way with bulldozers.

Fire Under Control, but Film Industry Could Be Affected

On Jan. 9, the LA Fire Department announced that evacuation orders in the area affected by the fire had been lifted, and the area burned in the Hollywood Hills had reduced from the initial 60 acres to 43 acres. The department advised returning residents to be cautious as personnel are still working in the area.

Apart from residential areas, some movie studios and filming locations near Hollywood have also suffered varying degrees of damage. The fire also destroyed several beloved local spots, such as filming locations for popular TV shows like Modern Family.

Due to extreme winds and the fire situation, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk announced the closure on Jan. 8. With the fire spreading, more and more TV and movie production facilities in Hollywood are halting operations.

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