Broken Fire Hydrant Causes Big Mudslide In The Hollywood Hills, Streets Closed

A broken fire hydrant caused gushing water and mud to flood through parts of the lower Hollywood Hills Wednesday morning, closing a number of streets.

The flood's cause was initially reported as stemming from a broken water main, but that was incorrect. The fire hydrant malfunction occurred in the 8400 block of Grand View Drive, in the hills above the famed Chateau Marmont, a star-studded hotel with a surprisingly good burger on the menu.

An LADWP representative told LAist that the fire hydrant was likely hit by a car, although they are still investigating. City News Service reports that the gushing water undermined the hillside and sent debris and mud onto a number of streets, including Hillside and Franklin avenues and Kings and Queens roads. The mudslide stretched down to Sunset Boulevard at Kings Road, but Sunset remains open, although several streets above it have been closed.

According to the LADWP, the fire hydrant has been turned off and the department is currently working on repairs. A representative tells us that they hope to have the hydrant functional again as soon as possible in case they need it for an actual fire, "since it's in the Hollywood Hills and we are in a drought."

Fox reports that a command post to coordinate street closures and repair efforts has been set up on Kings Road near Sunset Boulevard.