As fires rage in Los Angeles, fake images and videos of a burning Hollywood sign have circulated on social media.
While the fires may have reached the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, the iconic sign is still intact and is currently a far cry from the nearest fire, known as the Sunset Fire, which has not crossed east of the sprawling freeway. from Hollywood.
In a statement to CTVNews.ca on Thursday afternoon, Hollywood Sign Trust president Jeff Zarrinnam confirmed that “the sign itself is not affected and is safe.” The trust is responsible for the maintenance and security of the monument, which has dominated Los Angeles for more than a century.
Griffith Park, where the sign is located, has been temporarily closed as a safety measure. The park is also home to sites such as the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo.
AI-generated images and videos of a burning Hollywood sign can be easily found online. Official fire maps, local media reports, and social media posts from Los Angeles residents also confirm that the sign is fine. However, the Hollywood Sign webcam has been offline.
“Stop sharing fake photos, don’t confuse others,” one X user posted with a video of the smoky Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood sign. “We’re already dealing with a lot. No, the iconic Hollywood sign is not on fire.”
In 1923 a sign reading “Hollywoodland” was first erected on the site of the south slope of Mount Lee to announce a new housing development. The word “land” was removed in 1949 before the wooden sign was completely replaced by a new durable steel structure in 1978, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.
