A brush fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in Griffith Park, sending up smoke that could be seen for miles and prompting the evacuation and closure of the nearby Griffith Observatory.
The fire was reported at 2:09 p.m. northwest of the observatory and was initially estimated at about two acres. By about 3:30 p.m., the forward progress of the blaze was halted after scorching an estimated 10 acres, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott, who said a “handful” of vehicles were damaged or destroyed along Observatory Road.
Helicopters from the city and county fire departments made water drops as about 200 firefighters on the ground battled the flames, which burned amid light winds and was described by LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey as topography-driven.
The observatory was evacuated and will not reopen for the balance of the day, according to the city Department of Recreation and Parks.
Vermont Avenue and Fern Dell Drive were closed at Los Feliz Boulevard leading into the park, according to Scott, who said anyone already in the park who was separated because of the blaze was advised to rendezvous at the Greek Theatre at 2700 N. Vermont Ave.
No injuries were reported.