Griffith Park has reopened to the public, just over a week after the Sunset Fire broke out in the area.
The 4,210-acre park and its extensive network of hiking trails opened Thursday at 8 a.m., and the observatory is scheduled to open at noon.
The Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West, both located within Griffith Park, also reopened; The museum offers free admission 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 spot.
Runyon was also scheduled to reopen Thursday, but the city's Recreation and Parks Department changed course, citing fire damage.
“For your safety and to allow rehabilitation of habits, the park will remain closed until further notice,” the department said.
A day after it broke out, Los Angeles firefighters reached 100% containment of the Sunset Fire, which had caused mandatory evacuation orders and massive traffic jams in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills.
Firefighters at the scene said the fire had covered about 50 acres at its peak, and flames were approaching mansions lining North Curson Avenue.
The fire, for a moment, set off alarms throughout Hollywood. The evacuation included landmarks such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Dolby Theater and Ovation Hollywood, the shopping center in the heart of Hollywood.
Firefighters credited efficient water-launching planes for bringing the fire under control. The nearby Hollywood Reservoir allowed for frequent trips, one firefighter said.
Citing improving conditions on the ground, the Los Angeles Fire Department lifted all evacuation orders for the fire at 7:30 the next morning.
Several parks around Los Angeles remain closed due to the 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 advised to avoid park trails, hillsides and wooded areas during high winds and particularly dangerous red flag warnings.
With ash and dust from active fire zones and burn scars in the air, health officials recommend people limit their time outdoors.
Experts say wildfire smoke is not safe for everyone and all area residents should be concerned about potential health effects. If people have to be outdoors, they will need to wear an N95 mask.
