Why is the LA fire called the “Skirball Fire”?
America woke up this morning, December 7th, to even more scary wildfire-related news coming out of Southern California. A fire known as the “Skirball Fire” has forced evacuations in several LA neighborhoods, including Bel Air. But why is it being called the Skirball Fire?
The answer is actually relatively simple. The fire broke out near the Skirball Cultural Center in northwest LA. Per the center’s website, “The Skirball Cultural Center is an educational institution in Los Angeles, California devoted to sustaining Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals.”
The center is named for Jack H. Skirball and his wife, Audrey, who were instrumental in funding the center and finding an initial location for the construction process in 1983.
Thx to so many for expressing concern. Skirball has not sustained damages. We will continue monitoring and posting updates. Stay safe all!
— SkirballCulturalCtr (@Skirball_LA) December 7, 2017
The Skirball Center is near another major cultural hub: The J. Paul Getty Museum.
Due to nearby fires, the Getty Center will remain closed to visitors tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. The @LAFD has asked us to close the Getty Villa as well to support emergency operations in the area. #SkirballFire #gettycenter #gettyvilla #TheArtIsSafe pic.twitter.com/oGjCYVULK1
— J. Paul Getty Museum (@GettyMuseum) December 6, 2017
The Getty Center is closed to the public today. The fire is northeast of the Getty Center and east of the San Diego Freeway. Air filtration systems are protecting the galleries from smoke. We continue to monitor the situation and will issue updates as we have them.
— J. Paul Getty Museum (@GettyMuseum) December 6, 2017
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the LA fire and the fires in the surrounding region.
More to come.
