Griffith Park has reopened to the public more than a week after the Sunset Fire burned in the area.
The 4,210-acre park and its extensive 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 in Griffith Park have also reopened; the museums are free until Monday.
Nearby Runyon Canyon Park remains closed. The Sunset Fire was reported Jan. 8 at 2350 N. Solar Drive, just west of the popular 160-acre Hollywood Hills hiking hotspot.
Runyon was also scheduled to reopen Thursday, but the city’s Recreation and Parks Department changed plans, citing damage from the fire.
“For your safety and to allow for recovery, the park will remain closed until further notice,” the department said.
Los Angeles firefighters are 100% under control a day after the Sunset Fire broke out, triggering mandatory evacuation orders and massive traffic congestion in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills.
Firefighters at the scene said the fire was about 50 acres in size at its most severe and was approaching luxury homes on both sides of North Curson Avenue.
The fire caused panic throughout Hollywood in a short period of time. Evacuations include iconic locations such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, Pantages Theater in Hollywood, the Dolby Theater and the Ovation Hollywood shopping center in downtown Hollywood.
Firefighters attributed the blaze to high-efficiency water jets. A firefighter said the nearby Hollywood Reservoir allowed for frequent trips.
Citing improved local conditions, the Los Angeles Fire Department lifted all fire evacuation orders by 7:30 the next morning.
Several parks around Los Angeles remain closed due to 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 encouraged to avoid hiking trails, hillsides and forested areas of the park during high winds and red flag warnings of particularly dangerous conditions.
Health officials are advising people to limit outdoor activities as ash from fire areas fills the air with burn marks.
Experts say wildfire smoke is unsafe for everyone and all area residents should worry about potential health impacts. If people must be outdoors, they should wear an N95 mask.
