Sepulveda Pass Fire Threatens Homes, Getty Center

"This is not a wind-driven fire, it is topography fire," California coastline


A fast-moving 10-acre fire was whipping its way uphill east of the Sepulveda Pass, causing staff at the Getty Center to voluntarily evacuate

The brush fire rapidly spread on one of the hottest days of the year in Los Angeles, where temperatures at the fire were at 102 degrees and the air was dry, at 9% relative humidity.

Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Jamie Moore said more than 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, which was moving from the base of the 405 Freeway up a mountain toward Moraga Drive, where homes are located on a cul-de-sac in the hills of Bel-Air. Smoke could be seen as far as Santa Monica.

Authorities said there is no evidence of arson at this stage and the cause remains undetermined.

The Getty Center, located south of the fire, was closed, and synagogue leaders evacuated eight Torahs from Leo Baeck Temple at the base of the burning ridge on Sepulveda Boulevard. But firefighters appeared confident that they would be able to keep the fire from getting to homes, noting that the winds were mild, at 7 mph to 9 mph.

California Coastline

Update 11:37 a.m. Saturday: The Getty Center has announced that the museum will be open on Saturday after being closed Friday when a fire broke out across the 405 Freeway.