The Getty wildfire that has ripped across more than 650 acres in the Los Angeles area was sparked by a fallen tree branch that struck power lines and ignited brush, authorities said.
The fire was deemed an accident after fire officials in Los Angeles determined the branch broke off as wind battered the area, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
The fire grew to 656 acres (1 square mile) Tuesday evening and was just 15 percent contained, authorities said.
The fire may worsen because of extreme Santa Ana winds that are expected to bear down on the region, creating an “extreme fire weather threat,” according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The fire threatened mansions in the Los Angeles area, including actress Kathy Griffin’s house.
The comedian posted a video this week of the Getty Fire’s smoke and rising flames encroaching on her home.
“Took it from my driveway. Endless thanks @LAFD @LAPDHQ and all first responders. They are tireless heroes!” she wrote on Twitter with the video.