Universal Studios Hollywood has announced its closure as wildfires continue to sweep across Los Angeles, forcing evacuations and straining emergency services.
The park, along with its shopping and dining district Universal CityWalk, will remain closed today, January 8, due to extreme fire conditions and high winds.
Fires Burn Through Los Angeles
Over the past 24 hours, fires have spread across the Los Angeles area, with the largest blaze located in Pacific Palisades, where over 2,900 acres have been consumed. Meanwhile, the Hurst fire has burned through 500 acres, and the Eaton fire in Altadena has rapidly grown to 1,000 acres.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has called for off-duty firefighters to assist in containing the fires, which are exacerbated by gusts of wind reaching up to 100 mph.
Los Angeles has declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate as firefighters battle the three major blazes.
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed its temporary closure, citing safety as the primary concern:
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions. We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow. The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority.
The theme park, home to movie-themed lands such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, has faced fire-related challenges in the past. In 2008, a backlot fire sparked by asphalt shingles heated by a blowtorch destroyed several iconic structures, archives, and audio master tapes.
A History of Wildfires for Southern California’s Theme Parks
Southern California’s vulnerability to wildfires is a recurring issue. Last September, flames from the Airport Fire were visible from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The current wildfires serve as another stark reminder of the region’s ongoing struggles with fire management and climate-related challenges.
Universal Studios Hollywood plans to reopen tomorrow, pending assessments of the evolving situation. For now, the safety of the community and emergency responders remains the focus. Further updates will follow as the story develops.
Have you been affected by the ongoing situation in Los Angeles?
