Flames close to Griffith Observatory, within the hills of Los Feliz, on Tuesday, Might 17, prompted the evacuation of the LA-area landmark, earlier than firefighters had been in a position to cease the blaze from spreading round 4 p.m.
The reason for the hearth was not instantly clear.
A “individual of curiosity” was detained within the space in reference to the hearth, stated Los Angeles police Officer Drake Madison.
A 50-by-100 patch of burning vegetation was noticed close to a Boy Scout path at 2675 N Nottingham Ave., downslope from the observatory, Los Angeles Fireplace Division officers stated in a 3:03 p.m. tweet.
Flames unfold quickly, consuming 6 acres, however by 4 p.m. firefighters had been in a position to halt the unfold, LAFD officers stated.
About 92 firefighters had been battling the blaze and no accidents had been reported, officers stated.
LAFD Alert- #LosFeliz Brush Fireplace 2675 N Nottingham Av MAP: https://t.co/9o9e3nGJKh FS82; LAFD responding by floor and air to an roughly 50' x 100' space of vegetation on fireplace, south of Griffith Observatory, close to the Boy Scout Path. DETAILS: https://t.co/XP0v6QrI0O
— LAFD (@LAFD) Might 17, 2022
The fireplace was declared a “main emergency,” and park rangers had been stopping hikers from coming into surrounding trails, LAFD officers stated. No properties had been evacuated.
Plumes of smoke may very well be seen wafting over the observatory in livestreamed footage from the hillside, as water-dropping helicopters flew overhead. Floor crews trying to assist douse the hearth had been working in hilly terrain, with temperatures within the mid 70s and light-weight winds.
The observatory was not scheduled to be open to the general public till Friday afternoon, in keeping with its web site.