Most mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted in the Getty Fire, Los Angeles Fire Department officials announced Wednesday afternoon. The blaze has scorched 745 acres and was 39% contained as of Wednesday night.
The evacuations that remain in place are:
- On the west border: Kenter Aveune
- South border: Sunset Boulevard
- North border: Area just south of Mountaingate Drive
- East border: Area adjacent to 405 Freeway and Sepulveda Boulevard
Earlier Wednesday, residents evacuated during the Getty Fire were being allowed to visit their homes to collect medicine or other items left behind during the blaze.
Residents who wanted to visit their homes were asked to show valid ID with proof of where they live.
Firefighters were prepared to make quick work of any Getty Fire flare-ups as gusty winds, possibly up to 80 mph, pick up in the area.
Crews spent the day Tuesday dousing as many hot spots as possible in an attempt to keep embers from igniting another large fire.
The Getty Fire began when a tree branch fell on some power lines during a strong wind event about 1:30 a.m. Monday morning in the Sepulveda Pass.
Video recorded by a driver on the 405 Freeway captured what is believed to be the start of the fire.
https://twitter.com/PIOErikScott/status/1189316094839926785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1189316094839926785&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdigital-staging.ktla.com%2F2019%2F10%2F29%2Fgetty-fire-caused-by-tree-falling-onto-power-line-sparking-flames-near-brentwood%2F
The flames spread quickly, destroying 12 homes and scorching Brentwood and surrounding areas. Another five homes were damaged.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Los Angeles Department of Water and Power equipment was not at fault and described the incident as an “act of God.”
An extreme red flag warning went into effect at 11 p.m. Tuesday and will remain in place until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The combination of powerful offshore winds and dry air is expected to bring “very high fire danger” to the region, according to the National Weather Service.
“It only takes one ember to blow downwind to start another fire,” Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said during a news conference on Tuesday. “Embers have been known to travel several miles,” he said.
All evacuation orders for the #GettyFire are lifted with the exception of the areas between:
West border: Kenter Ave
South border: Sunset Blvd
North border: Area just south of Mountain Gate Ave
East border: Area adjacent to the 405 & Sepulveda BlvdINFO: https://t.co/5gh8IhVl7H pic.twitter.com/osj7EEvBa7
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) October 31, 2019