Los Angeles firefighters swiftly knocked down a small brush fire that erupted in Griffith Park on Monday afternoon, as extreme winds heightened fire risks throughout Southern California. The Los Angeles Times reports that the fire, which started around 1 p.m., burned approximately a quarter of an acre near the Griffith Observatory, producing visible plumes of black smoke in Hollywood and neighboring areas.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded promptly, utilizing helicopters to perform water drops, effectively curtailing the fire's growth. Fortunately, the flames did not threaten any structures at the observatory or adjacent properties. A “particularly dangerous situation” wind warning, in effect until Tuesday morning, marks an unprecedented fifth warning this season by the National Weather Service, given the acute fire conditions linked to powerful wind gusts.

According to meteorologists, gusts could escalate to between 50 mph to 70 mph along coastal regions and valleys, with mountainous areas experiencing isolated gusts up to 100 mph. The ongoing dry spells in the region, coupled with extreme winds, have left the landscape extremely vulnerable to wildfires, further increasing the urgency of firefighting efforts.

In a related incident, a man was arrested under suspicion of deliberately starting the fire in Griffith Park, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. His actions underscore the risks posed by both natural conditions and potential human interference in fire-prone areas.

Multiple small fires also emerged across Southern California, notably in San Diego County, prompting immediate responses from fire crews. As firefighters tackle these ongoing threats, they remain vigilant regarding the overall fire hazard that the current weather conditions pose.