On the second day of a heat spell that’s gripped Los Angeles, and The BRAD BLOG World News Headquarters, fire has once again erupted in the nearby bone dry Hollywood Hills. This one appears to be much bigger — and the weather conditions much worse — than the blaze we noticed out our window last month which threatened the Hollywood Sign.
That’s a photo of the Griffith Observatory which is very near the current fire tonight. It has recently re-opened after a multi-million dollar renovation. You may recognize it as the location of Sal Mineo’s death in Rebel Without a Cause. It’s currently a mere quarter mile from the fire line.
The nearby threatened area also includes the Los Angeles Zoo, which was evacuated earlier of people, if not animals, Griffith Park’s legendary Greek Theater, and yes, the Hollywood Sign. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for nearby homes. As of 6:30pm PT the fire was growing, had covered 200 acres, was being battled by 500 fire fighters, and was just 25% contained. For a better idea of how large this fire is see another photo of the Observatory below.
Local TV affiliate coverage and video, etc. available here, here and here.
For those concerned, BRAD BLOG World News Headquarters is currently at a safe enough distance. We think. We’ll let you know if that changes.
I live and grew up in Hollywood and I can’t believe this is actually happening.
To think that 2 of L.A.’s landmarks are being threatened by this fire is saddening me. The observatory just opened a few months ago after a multi-million dollar renovation, the Greek Theatre being an amazing concert venue, the Hollywood sign, and all the beautiful homes in the area, I can’t imagine the city without them.
I was searching for news and pictures that gave a better view as to how far the fire was from everything and yours came up. Your pictures show the severity of the fire which makes me think you’re not far. I’m only a couple of miles from the fire at the other end of the park and therefore currently safe.
Stay safe and thanks for the update.
Y’all PLEASE be careful over there.
Thankfully the observatory survived intact, and the heroic firemen and pilots also saved the redwood grove at the Greek theater. But a huge burn of much of Griffith Park.
Burning voting machines give off toxic fumes . . .
Is this typical for this time of year in LA? I thought huge brush fires hit mostly in August thru October, or do they hit at any time of year?
Though that is sad to see, that’s a great looking photo. Palm trees against the smoke/fire/sunset looks incredible.