Wildfire Scorches 25 Acres near Griffith Observatory
A wildfire in Griffith Park consumed 25 acres of grass and brush, sending one firefighter to the hospital before it was controlled by the combined efforts of more than 200 firefighters.
At 2:09 PM on July 10, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Department quickly responded to a brush fire approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the Griffith Observatory. Two acres of grass and light brush had ignited, with flames threatening to extend into thicker and more volatile vegetation.
Due to its location, the Griffith Observatory was quickly evacuated of its 2,000 visitors by Los Angeles Park Rangers, LAPD, and Observatory staff. Notwithstanding the location of the blaze, the Griffith Observatory was kept from the path of direct flame and sustained no damage.
Despite five vehicles being destroyed by the topography driven wildfire, the flames were kept away from homes with no reported damage. LAFD Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) drones patrolled the perimeter to alert firefighters of hot spots and spot fires, ensuring the fire doesn’t reignite amongst the dry conditions.
It was the well-coordinated air and ground assault by LAFD and allied agencies, including the support of one helicopter and two hand crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department that confined the fire to just 25 acres of rugged terrain. Full containment of the Griffith Park Fire was achieved at 7:00 AM on July 11, 2018, with the cause being under active investigation.
Incident Photo Gallery
