Erin Donalson/iStock(LOS ANGELES) — As winds reach extremely dangerous levels in Southern California, the Getty Fire in Los Angeles is exploding in size and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Burning in the hills north of Los Angeles’ famous Getty Center, the fire has consumed 500 acres. The Getty Center and Getty Villa are safe, but many houses were on fire.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect in Los Angeles from the 405 freeway to the ocean — which spans some of the most expensive real estate in the city. Southbound lanes of the 405 freeway, the busiest highway in the country, are now closed.
In Los Angeles’ upscale Brentwood neighborhood, fire crews put out fires on multiple homes early Monday as the sky glowed orange from the flames and dense smoke.
Horrible situation on #tigertail right now in #Brentwood – have counted 6 homes on fire and there’s likely more. The #GettyFire continued to burn out of control in the hills of Brentwood. Stay with @ABC7 for live coverage pic.twitter.com/u8IZM9eN1c
— Josh Haskell (@abc7JoshHaskell) October 28, 2019
LeBron James said he was among those forced to evacuate from his home overnight.
My best wishes as well to the first responders⛑ right now doing what they do best!