Thu Jan 09 05:11:00 UTC 2025: ## Southern California Wildfires Force Evacuations, Damage Historic Sites

**Los Angeles, CA (January 8, 2025)** – Southern California is battling a series of major wildfires fueled by hurricane-strength winds, prompting widespread evacuations and closures. The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Tyler fires are impacting multiple areas, causing significant damage to cultural landmarks and prompting the closure of several iconic locations.

The Will Rogers State Historic Park, a former ranch and National Register of Historic Places site, was severely damaged by the Palisades Fire, with only chimneys remaining. While horses and some artifacts were evacuated, the historical buildings and many artifacts were destroyed. The nearby Topanga Ranch Motel, formerly owned by William Randolph Hearst, was also lost to the flames. Portions of Topanga State Park suffered significant damage as well.

The Getty Villa, a Greco-Roman art museum, sustained some damage from the fire, though its collections and staff are safe. Both the Getty Villa and Getty Center will remain closed until at least January 13th. The West Hollywood strip experienced gridlock as residents fled the Palisades fire, with authorities temporarily relocating abandoned vehicles to aid firefighting efforts.

Several other institutions have been impacted. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is under evacuation orders due to the Eaton Fire. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk are closed due to the high winds and fire conditions. The Hammer Museum at UCLA is also closed, although the UCLA campus remains open. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Griffith Observatory are closed as well. The Warner Bros. Studio is closed due to fire conditions and high winds. The Rose Bowl stadium is currently serving as a large animal evacuation center.

While the Empire Polo Club, home to Coachella, remains open, officials continue to monitor the situation. Numerous road closures are in effect. For the latest updates and safety information, please visit LAist.com and sign up for NPR’s breaking news alerts.

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