HOLLYWOOD HILLS—An 18-acre brush fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Tuesday, July 19, where the Los Angeles Fire Department did their best to contain it.
The LAFD said the fire broke out near the Ford Amphitheater, around the area of the 101 Freeway and Cahuenga Boulevard at about 3:05 p.m.
There were some downed power lines that caused hazardous conditions in the area, but the exact cause of the fire is still unknown.
According to the LAFD, more than 200 firefighters from 30 different fire companies fought the fire from the ground as well as the air. No homes were in immediate threat from the fire and, thus, no evacuations were ordered.
“We’re looking at five years of drought. The conditions in the hillside communities are extreme. The fuels are ready to burn,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Charles Butler to ABC7.
The fire department continues to urge homeowners, especially those in the hillsides, to remain conscious of the dry conditions and clear any brush at least 200 feet from the home.
The fire did cause traffic congestions on the 101 due to drivers slowing to observe the smoke and flames.
Some residents took to social media to post pictures of the fire in the hills. According to a press release from the Los Angeles Fire Department, it took about two and a half hours to gain a knockdown and have full containment. Firefighters remained on scene throughout the night to ensure no flare-ups ensued.
