This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
Photograph was edited for publication purposes The caption refers to the Laurel Canyon fires that broke out on July 10, 1959. The fire burned over 300 acres and destroyed over 40 homes in a residential area that included houses belonging to Hollywood celebrities, such as Steve McQueen, Charles Coburn, and Alan Bergman. 10-15 m.p.h. winds combined with the summer heat fed the fires that moved so fast that residents were caught off guard and had only enough time to gather a few belongings before evacuating their homes, many fleeing on foot. Photograph caption dated July 11, 1959 reads, "Huge clouds of smoke and flame billow for miles above scene of Laurel Canyon blaze. Hundreds of curious massed along Sunset and Ventura boldevards [sic], clogging main traffic lanes."; See images #00114954 through #00114960 for all photos in this series.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.