Vegetation fire erupts near Griffith Park, observatory shut down rest of day

GRIFFITH PARK (ABC7 LOS ANGELES) -- A vegetation fire erupted near the Griffith Observatory, sending up thick plumes of smoke into the air on Tuesday.

The blaze was first reported around 2 p.m. northwest of the popular tourist destination. It was estimated to be around 2 acres.

The Griffith Observatory was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

The fire did not pose immediate threats to any structures, fire officials said, but residents were urged to avoid the area.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was battling the flames from the ground and the air. The fire was burning amid warm temperatures, high humidity and light winds in the area.