Hollywood Hills burning video is fake and AI generated

As wildfires rage through Southern California, a viral fake video and images of the Hollywood Sign in flames have sparked confusion and panic. Despite social media posts claiming the sign was engulfed by fire, authorities confirmed it remains intact and unaffected by the Sunset Fire.

The Sunset Fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills at 5:30 p.m. on January 8, 2025, quickly escalating to over 43 acres burned. The fire prompted evacuations in nearby areas, including parts of Beachwood Canyon. Despite the rapid spread threatening homes and infrastructure, firefighters worked to contain it. By Thursday, January 9, the fire was fully contained, leaving destruction.

Amid the chaos, fake images and videos of the Hollywood Sign burning circulated on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. These AI-generated images falsely depicted the landmark in flames, causing panic among residents and viewers.

“Stop with the Bull—, people are losing everything. The Hollywood Sign on fire is a fake, stop reposting it,” one user wrote in response to the viral posts. Another commenter shared their frustration, writing, “Great, there’s an AI-generated photo of the Hollywood sign on fire. We’re all raw and vulnerable right now and don’t need fake images circulating.”

The viral images were quickly debunked, but the damage was done. The Hollywood Sign Trust, responsible for maintaining the landmark, issued a statement confirming the sign was safe and not in the fire’s path. Jeff Zarrinnam, chair of the Trust, told Forbes, “The Hollywood Sign is not affected and is secure. The fire is far away, on the other side of the Hollywood Freeway.”

Fake AI-generated images were part of a broader misinformation pattern on social media during recent Southern California wildfires. As of Thursday, at least six people died, nearly 180,000 were evacuated, and over 1.5 million without power.

Stop with the Bullshit, people are losing everything. The Hollywood Sign on fire is a fake, stop reposting it. pic.twitter.com/sGPTNbbxwR

— Rob O'Donnell (@odonnell_r) January 9, 2025

While AI-generated content is becoming sophisticated, experts warn it can lead to serious consequences when used to spread false information, especially during emergencies. “These AI-generated images are misleading but harmful, especially in a time of fear and uncertainty,” said one concerned local on social media. “We don’t need more panic; we need reliable information.”

Firefighters are battling several wildfires in Los Angeles County, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, near densely populated areas. The fires have damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures. President Biden declared a state of emergency and pledged federal support for recovery efforts, while local authorities are helping those displaced.

The Hollywood Sign reflects the city’s resilience. Erected in 1923 as a real estate advertisement, it was originally called “Hollywoodland.” It was shortened to “Hollywood” in 1949 and has become a recognisable symbol of Los Angeles. The sign has weathered disasters, including fires, earthquakes, and vandalism, but remains an enduring icon.

Stop sharing fake photographs, do not make others confused.We are already dealing with a lot.
No the iconic Hollywood Sign is not on fire. pic.twitter.com/tEmd6cTPaw

— Dhruv (@dhruv2038) January 9, 2025

Despite ongoing wildfires, the iconic landmark is currently safe, according to fire authorities. The Sunset Fire, which started in the Hollywood Hills, was not near the sign on Mount Lee. “The fire was on the other side of the 101 Freeway, a significant distance from the sign,” explained a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesperson. The fire’s spread was halted, and evacuation orders were lifted.

While the Sunset Fire is contained, the fight against misinformation continues. Social media platforms are flagging and providing context for misleading posts, with X adding reader-suggested context to those claiming the Hollywood Sign was in danger. “This is fake, the Hollywood sign is fine and not close to the current fire, which is under control,” read a disclaimer added by X.

As residents and first responders recover from the wildfires, the need for accurate information remains critical. “Stop sharing fake photographs,” one social media user urged. “No, the iconic Hollywood Sign is not on fire.”

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

Watch: Kashmir experiences first snowfall of season after dry spell

Amarnath Yatra: Tackling rising death toll from extreme weather events

Tourists arrival in Kashmir break records, a need to regulate it?

From tourist paradise to waste wasteland: Sindh River Cry for help

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.