Fire - Two Teens Admit To Starting Hollywood Hills Fire

Fire: 150 acres Brush Fire Dark Canyon in the 3600 block of Barham Boulevard, Los Angeles.

Aerial, Ground Fire Crews Contain Blaze

Los Angeles fire officials said the fire had been fully contained, but fire crews would remain on the line through Saturday to contain any hotspots.
After a heavy aerial attack with water-dropping helicopters, ground crews smothered the fire, which began near the Oakwood Gardens apartment complex off Barham Boulevard and climbed into the Hollywood Hills. Crews said it is possible that the fire started in the parking lot of the complex.

The winds were pushing the fire up toward the mountain.

The fire was first reported at 5 acres. It grew to about 150 acres.Crews said the fire was contained at about 4 p.m.
A hotspot developed at about 3 p.m. off Forest Lawn Drive near the Toluca Lake Tennis Club. Ground crews responded to the spot fire.Forest Lawn Cemetery canceled services for the day. The cemetery was not threatened, fire officials said.

One firefighter was sent to the hospital for lacerations to the ear and neck.

No structures burned.

Fire crews arrived at the location at about 1 p.m.

Two hundred firefighters were on the ground.

Helicopters and engine companies staged atop Mount Lee, site of the landmark Hollywood sign. The fire was about a half-mile from the sign.

No evacuations were ordered.


Police: Two Teens Admit To Starting Hollywood Hills Fire -

Two boys admitted that they started the fire. The boys, who were visiting from another state, were staying in an apartment complex near the origin of the blaze, Villaraigosa said.

'There was a witness who watched them do what they (did) or at least saw the incident, so that's a good thing,' Villaraigosa said.

Two boys turned themselves in to the Burbank Police Department, according to police. Their identities were not released.

Investigators did not term the fire an arson case. Deputy Police Chief Michael R. Hillmann characterized the case as "an irresponsible act.

Two maintenance workers attempted to stomp out the fire.