Hollywood, CA On April 17, 2025, at 2:04 p.m., the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) responded to a structure fire at 1744 N Wilton Place in Hollywood, marking the first in a series of blazes at the troubled property. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story detached garage engulfed in flames, with two nearby structures—a five-story apartment building and another building—at risk of exposure. Demonstrating swift action, LAFD crews accessed the garage and knocked down the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent properties. The rapid response contained the incident, but the fire foreshadowed recurring issues at the vacant Craftsman home, later linked to squatter activity and arson concerns, as noted in community complaints and subsequent fires through May 2025.
Recurring Fires at 1744 N Wilton Pl in Hollywood Spark Community Outrage
Hollywood, CA – A series of fires at 1744 N Wilton Place, a vacant two-story Craftsman-style home just off Hollywood Boulevard, has plagued the neighborhood since August 2024, with the most recent blaze erupting overnight on May 1, 2025. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the fully engulfed structure, which has now been “red-tagged” as unsafe, marking at least the seventh fire at the property in less than a year. Local residents, frustrated by the lack of action from city officials, are demanding solutions to address the abandoned home’s role as a magnet for homeless squatters and recurring arson. This article details the latest incident, the property’s troubled history, and the community’s call for change, drawing from LAFD statements, local reports, and social media posts.
The property at 1744 N Wilton Place, once a grand Craftsman sold for $1.55 million in November 2023, has become a neighborhood blight since its abandonment. According to resident Keith Johnson, who has documented the issue on X, the home has been taken over by homeless squatters, with six fires reported since August 2024, including two in April 2025 alone. Despite efforts to board up and fence the property, intruders have repeatedly breached security, leading to fires that endanger nearby homes. Johnson’s posts highlight three fires in April 2025, with the May 1 incident marking the seventh overall, fueling fears that the home could ignite a larger blaze in the densely packed Hollywood area.
The LAFD and LAPD Hollywood Division have responded to multiple calls at the address, but residents report little progress. ABC7 reporter Kevin Ozebek covered the issue, noting the community’s frustration with the city’s inaction. The property’s proximity to Hollywood Boulevard, near iconic landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre, amplifies concerns about public safety and the area’s image. Redfin listings describe the home as an investor’s opportunity, but its current state—scarred by fire and vandalism—has deterred buyers and left neighbors on edge.
The May 1, 2025, fire at 1744 N Wilton Place, the seventh at the abandoned Hollywood home since August 2024, has pushed the community to a breaking point. The LAFD’s containment prevented a larger disaster, but the property’s history as a squatter haven and firetrap remains unresolved. As investigations continue, residents demand action from city leaders to secure or demolish the home, fearing the next blaze could spread.