A WILDFIRE raged out of control in Los Angeles last night threatening the homes of the rich and famous.
The blaze could wipe out hundreds of multi-million dollar mansions and historic landmarks in star-studded Hollywood Hills. The flames ripped through 600 acres of dry brush in Griffith Park, a natural beauty spot in the centre of the city.
Pop star Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale, from rock band Bush, are known to own a sprawling estate close to the towering flames. Their lavish mansion was one of 300 in the area where firefighters went door-to-door forcing families to leave their homes.
Actors Kirsty Alley, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also own houses in the area.
Flames raced over hills and canyons threatening the LA zoo and the Gene Autry Museum.
It is also home to the Griffith Observatory - made famous in the James Dean film Rebel Without A Cause.
By late afternoon, firefighters believed they had the blaze under control after helicopters dropped water on to the flames.
But a shift in the wind whipped up flames at dusk, sending embers into the air and igniting other areas. Helicopter pilots continued the battle around the clock using night-vision equipment. Fire department chief Douglas Barry said they hoped to get better control of the fire at daybreak.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said police had to be called in to remove several stubborn residents that had refused to leave.
Thousands were also left without power as the fire burned through power-lines causing blackouts across the area.
Investigators believe the fire was started with matches - but can t say if it was deliberate or not.
News RSS