California Wildfire Threatens Hearst Castle
The destructive Chimney wildfire in California is now putting Hearst Castle at risk.
For days, firefighters have been guarding the historic San Simon estate of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, which now serves as both a museum and a California State Park. (Hearst founded the company that owns Town & Country.)
Simultaneously, staff inside the landmark have been working to protect the extensive art collection, which includes works ranging from 3rd-century Roman marbles to 19th century Tiffany glass vases.
"We really don't expect the fire to really come any closer than it has with the fire lines that have been cut," Roger Colligan, supervising ranger at California State Park, told the LA Times. "We're pretty optimistic."
But winds can change quickly, and as a precaution, the house will be closed through Sunday, August 28th, though the visitors center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., barring any significant changes.
As of Monday afternoon, no artwork has been removed from the site, and there is no reported damage to the collection, but a plan is in place, should there be the need to evacuate.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Brian Steiger says the fire is 35 percent contained after destroying 36 homes and 16 other buildings. It is just one of several major wildfires in California this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
