Firefighters extinguished a blaze in Griffith Park on Oct. 1 that burned approximately half-an-acre of brush. The cause remains under investigation.

A brush fire erupted in Griffith Park on Oct. 1 west of the merry-go-round. The fire was contained to half-an-acre. Authorities are warning people about the high fire danger in the park during the fall brush fire season. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The fire was reported at approximately 2:50 p.m. near the 4700 block of Crystal Springs Drive, west of the Griffith Park merry-go-round, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames emanating from an area covered by medium to heavy brush.

The LAFD deployed 75 firefighters and water-dropping helicopters to battle the blaze. The fire was extinguished in just under an hour and no injuries were reported.

“Brush fires are always challenging, but the terrain wasn’t particularly rough and the wind wasn’t a factor,” Stewart said. “They were able to get a line around the fire. It can be far more challenging.”

Stewart said the LAFD is concerned about brush fires in Griffith Park and other undeveloped areas in the Hollywood Hills, particularly during the fall fire season. She cautioned people not to smoke in the park, which is illegal, and to never light barbecues or fires near brush or outside of designated areas.

“We are always reinforcing the message to never light fires where they are not allowed, and to always take care when you discard cigarette butts,” Stewart said. “Smoking is not allowed, but people still do it.”

Homeowners in the Hollywood Hills are also warned to clear brush away from their residences. The fire department recommends that grass and weeds be cleared at least 200 feet around structures.

“We want to ensure they are prepared,” Stewart said. “It’s particularly important given the narrowness of Hollywood Hills roads. We always ask people to be ready, set, go. People need to be ready to evacuate if necessary.”

The LAFD offers information about brush clearance requirements and fire safety tips at www.lafd.org.

“We are in the traditional brush fire season,” Stewart added. “Unfortunately, it’s all year now.”