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The Hollywood Sign is an iconic landmark known globally representing the city of Los Angeles. Despite all challenges throughout history it has remained a permanent representation of the area's glamour and pop culture.
Recently the area of the Hollywood hills has been experiencing Several wildfires and this event gave life to the spread of misinformation, with fake images and videos stating the iconic Hollywood Sign was engulfed in flames. Many accounts on social media posted this and also falsely added to already high tensions and fear.
A spokesperson for the Hollywood Sign Trust stated that the sign did not burn nor was in the line of danger from the recent fires. Many social media posts also featured screenshots from a website which has a webcam pointed directly to the sign to prove the image as not authentic . The areas that were on fire would also not be capable of reaching the sign without crossing a freeway making the fires unable to cause damage.
Erected originally in 1923 to promote a real estate development called Hollywoodland the sign was constructed with a material mix of wood and steel. However in 1944 it was gifted to the city and then fell to a place of disrepair until Playboy's Hugh Hefner restored the structure. Today it’s constructed of steel making it a permanent and non-flammable design choice.
The sign gained notoriety after Peg Entwistle tragically took her life by jumping off the "H". This sad and historic moment adds more to the landmark than just a picture but carries a heavy load.
As fire erupted in the area the Sunset Fire was also on going creating an additional challenge for local law enforcement. The Sunset Fire originated in Studio City close to Runyon Canyon with its focus on moving in an eastward direction making the Hollywood sign a place that has been seen as safe.
While at first the fire was not contained, it had not been reported to have crossed the Highway 101. As a result there was no way that a fire could get to the Hollywood Sign with the major infrastructure that stood in its way. The response to put out all fires also took place creating safe spaces as evacuation orders were lifted soon after the fires hit various parts of Hollywood.
The sign today stands tall as an iconic Hollywood landmark that is both beloved and has a large history of struggle and overcoming challenges from all those who are aware of it. It represents all those who dream of coming to the city and also the struggles those people can face after arrival.
What began as an advertising promotion in 1923 now represents an entire industry in Hollywood’s growth. In addition to the visual, people all over the world are aware of its image as more than just a set of large letters that stand as a symbol for more.
While originally made of wood and steel now the sign’s construction has shifted to corrugated steel with a supporting steel frame. This creates a more durable framework and eliminates past threats of being destroyed by fire. The use of those materials adds to the permanence of the Hollywood sign being something that will always be around.
Many social media users were first to act on and report what seemed to be going on in the area. This also added confusion because it was mostly false statements. A popular QAnon account went so far as to cheer on destruction in the area showing more about what that theory focuses on in real time scenarios.
Several accounts quickly shared images which were then confirmed to be generated through the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Those images added another level of stress in making people believe false information that led to added levels of panic for those not close to the issue.