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.
April 17th Fire
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.
The May 1st Fire
At approximately 1:45 a.m. on May 1, 2025, LAFD crews were dispatched to 1744 N Wilton Place following reports of a structure fire. The vacant 4,312-square-foot home, built in 1910, was fully engulfed in flames upon arrival, with fire threatening a nearby boarded-up property. Seventy firefighters battled the blaze defensively, using heavy streams to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. After 84 minutes, the flames were extinguished, with no injuries reported. The cause remains under investigation, though LAFD Public Information Officer Erik Scott noted the property’s history of repeated fires, suggesting possible arson or accidental ignition by squatters. The home, already damaged by prior blazes, was officially “red-tagged” by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, prohibiting occupancy due to structural hazards.
A Troubled History
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.
Community Impact and Outrage
The recurring fires have shaken the Hollywood community, particularly residents on the 1700 block of Wilton Place. Neighbors describe constant anxiety, with smoke and sirens disrupting daily life. “Imagine living next door to this abandoned house and your elected officials allow these squatters to come and go as they please,” Johnson posted on X, tagging Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez (@HugoForCD13) and Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA). The threat of fire spreading to adjacent homes, especially in a region scarred by the 2025 Palisades and Sunset Fires (as referenced in your prior queries), has heightened fears. Posts on X from @JoolsNews reported the May 1 fire threatening another vacant home, underscoring the risk to the neighborhood.
Official Response and Investigation
The LAFD’s response to the May 1 fire was swift, with firefighters preventing the blaze from spreading despite challenging conditions. The department’s social media accounts detailed the operation, crediting 70 firefighters and defensive tactics for containing the fire. However, the LAFD noted the property’s history, with @LAFDtalk stating it had been “damaged by multiple fires,” complicating efforts. The cause investigation, led by LAFD’s Arson Section, is exploring whether squatters, vandalism, or electrical issues sparked the blaze, though no conclusions have been released.
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has faced criticism for not demolishing or securing the property after earlier fires. Residents report that fencing and boarding have been repeatedly compromised, with no long-term solution implemented. Councilmember Soto-Martinez and Mayor Bass have been called out on X for failing to address the issue, despite multiple complaints to LAPD Hollywood Division. The city’s broader housing crisis, with over 46,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County, exacerbates the problem, as vacant properties like 1744 N Wilton become targets for squatters.
Critical Perspective
The fires at 1744 N Wilton Place expose systemic failures in addressing abandoned properties and homelessness. The city’s inability to secure or demolish the home after seven fires suggests bureaucratic inertia, as noted by residents on X who question why enforcement hasn’t escalated. The LAFD’s stretched resources, evident in the 2025 wildfire response, may limit proactive measures, but critics argue that prevention—such as clearing debris or patrolling vacant lots—could mitigate risks. The property’s “red-tagged” status is a step, but without demolition or rehabilitation, it remains a hazard. Some X users speculate that gentrification pressures in Hollywood, where homes sell for millions, may delay action if developers or owners hold out for profit, though this is unconfirmed. The situation also reflects broader tensions around homelessness. While squatters are blamed, the lack of affordable housing and shelter options drives individuals to vacant properties, creating a cycle of risk.
