UPDATE: A devastating fire has engulfed the historic Hollywood Center Motel on Sunset Boulevard, injuring one man early Sunday morning. The blaze, reported at 4:30 a.m., prompted a massive response from the Los Angeles Fire Department, dispatching over 70 firefighters to battle the flames.
Firefighters faced a harrowing scene, finding a 42-year-old man trapped on the rooftop, calling for help. He had managed to escape by breaking a window but sustained injuries during his escape. He is now hospitalized in fair condition but was not burned, officials confirmed.
The fire took more than one hour to fully extinguish, leaving the two-story motel and two neighboring bungalows significantly damaged. The extent of the damage to the bungalows is still being assessed as the fire’s aftermath continues to unfold.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the department’s Arson unit. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among the firefighting personnel, highlighting their successful efforts in a challenging situation.
The Hollywood Center Motel, a notable landmark in the area, has been boarded up and vacant for some time. It once served as a film location, famously featured in the film adaptation of James Ellroy’s “L.A. Confidential”. Its destruction marks a significant loss in Hollywood history, leaving behind memories that will endure despite its charred remains.
As the situation develops, residents and fans of Hollywood’s cinematic history are left to mourn the loss of a site that held stories of the past. Authorities are expected to release more information about the fire’s cause and damage assessment in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
