UPDATE: A devastating fire broke out at the historic Hollywood Center Motel on Sunset Boulevard early Sunday morning, injuring one man and causing extensive damage to the iconic structure. The blaze was reported at 4:30 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the Los Angeles Fire Department, which sent over 70 firefighters to the scene.
Firefighters battled the flames for more than an hour before bringing the fire under control. During the chaos, they discovered a 42-year-old man trapped on the rooftop, calling for help. He had escaped from the building by breaking a window. Fortunately, he is now hospitalized in fair condition, having sustained injuries during his escape but not from the fire itself.
The inferno not only ravaged the main building but also spread to two neighboring bungalows, with damage assessments still pending. The Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed that their Arson unit is investigating the cause of the fire, and thankfully, no injuries have been reported among firefighting personnel.
The Hollywood Center Motel, once a filming location for the acclaimed movie adaptation of James Ellroy’s “L.A. Confidential,” has stood as a recognizable landmark in the area for years. Its destruction represents a significant loss to Hollywood’s rich history, leaving behind memories that will linger long after the smoke clears.
Residents and local historians are expressing their sorrow over the loss of such a storied site. Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with flames illuminating the early morning sky and smoke billowing into the streets. As the community grapples with this loss, officials are urging anyone with information about the fire to come forward.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities and local residents are left to ponder the future of the site. What will become of the Hollywood Center Motel’s charred remains? Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
