Griffith Park reopens after Sun fire; Runyon remains closed
Griffith Park has reopened to the public, just over a week after the Sunset fire broke out in the area.
The 4,210-acre park and network of hiking trails opened at 8 a.m. Thursday, with the observatory scheduled to open at noon.
The Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West, both located within Griffith Park, also reopened; The museum offers free entry until Monday.
Nearby Runyon Canyon Park remains closed. The Sunset Fire was reported on Jan. 8 at 2350 N. Solar Drive, just west of the popular 160-acre Hollywood Hills.
Runyon was scheduled to reopen Thursday, but the city's Parks and Recreation Department canceled the course, citing fire damage.
“For your safety and to allow rehabilitation, the park will remain closed until further notice,” the department said.
A day after it broke out, Los Angeles firefighters reached 100% containment of the Sunset fire, which caused mandatory evacuation orders and heavy traffic in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills.
Firefighters at the scene said the blaze was 50 hectares in size at the time of its peak, with flames approaching the mansions on North Curson Avenue.
The fire, for a while, raised alarm bells throughout Hollywood. These outlets include iconic venues such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Dolby Theater and Ovation Hollywood, a shopping center in the heart of Hollywood.
Firefighters credited the water jet for stopping the fire. The nearby Hollywood Reservoir allowed for regular travel, the firefighter said.
Citing improving conditions on the ground, the Los Angeles Fire Department lifted all fire evacuation orders at 7:30 a.m. the next day.
Several parks around Los Angeles remain closed due to the ongoing wildfires, including Crestwood Hills Park, O'Melveny Park, Palisades Park & Recreation Center, Rustic Canyon, Stetson Ranch Equestrian Park and Wattles Garden Park.
The parks department said hikers are strongly advised to avoid hiking trails, mountains and forested park areas during high winds and high-risk red flag warnings.
With ash and dust from burning areas and hot spots in the air, health officials are advising people to limit their time outdoors.
Experts say wildfire smoke is not safe for everyone and all local residents should be concerned about the potential health effects. If people must be outside, they must wear an N95 mask.
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