.LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A brush fire broke out this afternoon in Griffith Park, sending up smoke that could be seen for miles and prompting the evacuation and closure of the nearby Griffith Observatory, though no structures were immediately threatened.
The fire was reported at 2:09 p.m. northwest of the observatory and was initially estimated at about two acres, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Helicopters from the city and county fire departments made water drops as crews 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 closed as a precaution, 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 LAFD Capt. Erik Scott.
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., Scott said.About an hour after the fire was first reported, crews appeared to be making good progress knocking down the flames and containing the blaze.No injuries were reported.