GRIFFITH PARK: Wildfire comes close to Griffith Observatory

At around 2:09 pm a brush fire broke out in the hills just west of the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. Smoke could be seen for miles from Downtown to the north San Fernando Valley. With a quick coordinated attack and water drops, firefighters were able to get a quick handle on the flames and prevent damage to structures. For a time, the observatory itself and about 30 parked cars were threatened, some cars were burned.