Out of Control Fire Threatens L.A. Zoo

A fire raging in the hills in Griffith Park, near Los Angeles, is continuing to threaten some important landmarks. The well known 4,210 acre park near downtown Los Angeles is home to the world famous Los Angeles Zoo and the recently reopened Griffith Observatory. Firefighters are battling a fire that is suspected to be intentionally set. The fire has consumed more than 250 acres while tinder dry, heat ridden conditions continue to make a fire of this possible magnitude a nightmare. Much of the terrain is in the hills and very difficult for firefighters to maneuver and place their equipment.

Originally the fire was thought to be under control when the fire and winds caused the fire to explode, igniting shrubs and other dried out vegetation with a furor. Lack of rainfall and hot windy conditions make fire one of the biggest dangers in California. Winds continue to blow up to 10 miles per hour through the hills.The dry season has come early this year. Fire season in Southern California is normally in the late summer or fall.This is the second fire since mid-March to be battled in this same general area.

Firemen worked together to protect the historical carousel in Griffith Park, hoping to save the structure. The park has been evacuated along with other attractions in the nearby area. Blowing smoke is making for hazardous driving on local freeways which comes at the busiest time of the day. The Hollywood freeway and the 5 freeway are congested and in some spots at a stand still. There have been no plans at this time to evacuate the animals from the L.A. Zoo. There are over one thousand animals at present in the Zoo with more then 100 people working there, daily.

The County of San Bernadino has volunteered to send tanker planes containing water and a fire retardant to help fight the fire. A man was detained with burns and held as a person of suspect in the setting of the fire. The fire started just after 1:30 p.m. just east of the famous Hollywood sign. The area is 15% contained at the present time.

No other injuries have been reported at this time and firefighters are continuing to work to contain the fire. Along with the Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Observatory the area also includes The Gene Autry Museum. The National Weather Service has continued to issue a red flag warning for all of Southern California.