GRIFFITH PARK—On August 9, firefighters responded to a brush fire that reportedly occurred near the Los Angeles Zoo.

Firefighters arrived at the 5 Freeway by the Ventura Freeway in Griffith Park at about 4:57 p.m.  Wind speeds occurring at 8 mph proved difficult for ground crews to gain access to the area, where one acre of brush blazed at about a 1/2 mile from the Los Angeles Zoo, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.  However, fire crews were able to use hand lines to reach the flames, and water dropping helicopters assisted in extinguishing the flames, which were contained to less than five acres.

No damage occurred to the nearby zoo, and no evacuations were ordered.  No further damage to other buildings or injuries have been reported.  The fire was successfully doused by 77 fire officials, along with crews from numerous other agencies, in about one hour and eight minutes, according to LAFD spokesman Devin Gales.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.