Barham Fire That Forced Studio Evacuations 95 Percent Contained

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, CA — It was a harrowing weekend in the Hollywood Hills, where the 80-acre brush fire dubbed the Barham Fire forced the evacuation of Warner Bros. studio Saturday. But, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the weather "played nice" overnight, and the firefighters were able to get the brush fire about 95 percent contained Monday.

With light winds and moisture in the air, firefighters made progress against the blaze, and continued to work Monday to clear a ring of vegetation around the brush fire near Burbank and Universal City, fire officials said. By Sunday night, the fire was 95 percent contained, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange said.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, "Officials anticipate reducing the LAFD presence to a 'patrol only' status and reopening Forest Lawn Dr.," Prange said.

"Smoke seen in the area is originating from smoldering objects inside of the containment area and is currently not a threat," he said.

"The terrain is very steep and the mop up will be a slow, methodical process to eliminate hot spots and smoldering debris. Water drops by air will continue to aid in completing this objective," Prange said.

The Barham Fire was reported at 1:52 p.m. Saturday at 3694 North Barham Blvd., said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

There were no civilian injuries, Humphrey said.

"One male firefighter sustained a non-life threatening injury to his arm and leg injury during the firefight and is being taken to an area hospital for first care," Humphrey said.

No structures were damaged or threatened, and no formal evacuations were ordered but "a handful of persons living closest to the fire, and being affected by smoke only, were directly contacted and encouraged to shelter in place at their residence" on Saturday, Humphrey said.

The flames burned near the Warner Bros. studio and a spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter the lot was evacuated Saturday afternoon "as a precautionary measure."

Forest Lawn Drive remained closed between Barham and the Ventura Freeway.

The cause of the blaze remained under investigation.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.