Outer Peristyle at the Getty Villa.
Photo: Courtesy of the Getty Villa
Getty Villa Grounds Catch Fire as Palisades Blaze Spreads
No structures were impacted but the museum will remain closed at least through Monday
The grounds of the Getty Villa caught fire on Tuesday as the Pacific Palisades flames and wind continued to bring devastation to the Los Angeles area. Officials said no structures were impacted and the collection remains safe. The villa, however, will remain closed at least through Monday, January 13.
“Fortunately, Getty had made extensive efforts to clear brush from the surrounding area as part of its fire mitigation efforts throughout the year,” Getty President and CEO Katherine E. Fleming said in a statement. “Some trees and vegetation on site have burned, but no structures are on fire and the collection remains safe. Additional fire prevention measures in place at the Villa include water storage on-site.”
The Getty Villa in Malibu Photo: Getty Villa
Irrigation was immediately deployed through the grounds on Tuesday when the fire started. Additionally, the museum galleries and library archive had been sealed off from smoke by a state-of-the-art air handling system, while the galleries also have double-walled construction for further protection.
“We are grateful for the tireless work of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and other agencies to keep the Villa and its staff safe, as well as for the on-site presence of fire trucks throughout the day,” Fleming said.
The wildfires reportedly killed at least two as of Wednesday and forced tens of thousands more to evacuate their homes as powerful Santa Ana winds fueled the blazes. More than 1,000 homes have been destroyed with Gov. Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency over the fires, which are currently 0% contained in the LA area.
Cover: Outer Peristyle at the Getty Villa.
Photo: Courtesy of the Getty Villa
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