Containing wildfires—never mind extinguishing them—in parched and windy conditions can be monstrously difficult. Dry vegetation is rocket fuel for blazes and wind both feeds the flames and spreads the embers. “The winds are like pointing an air blower at a fireplace,” says Gershunov, “except it’s not contained and it’s on a much larger scale.”

Among the residents who call the area home are Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Eugene Levy, Michael Mann and Kathleen Kennedy. Meanwhile, several Hollywood events have been canceled, including premieres for 'Better Man,