Getty Fire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Museum Closure

A brush fire erupted Wednesday afternoon near the Getty Center in Los Angeles, prompting evacuation warnings and the temporary closure of the renowned museum. The blaze, dubbed the Getty Fire, began around 4:15 p.m. on September 9 in the hills adjacent to the 405 Freeway. Firefighters responded rapidly, with aerial footage showing flames consuming dense vegetation. Initial reports from the Los Angeles Fire Department estimated the fire at approximately five acres. However, later reports indicated the blaze had grown to roughly 25 acres before crews managed to stop its forward progress around 6:15 p.m. Authorities issued evacuation warnings for areas including Mount Saint Mary’s University and the Getty Center itself. In response, the Getty Center closed its doors to visitors and staff, asking them to exit via the parking garage. Officials later lifted the evacuation warnings late Wednesday evening, and the museum announced plans to resume normal operations on Thursday. The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed numerous engines, hand crews, and aerial resources to combat the flames. The fire occurred during a period of dangerously hot temperatures in Southern California.