The angry flames of a wildfire burned grass and brush to a crisp early on Thursday just a few miles from the Getty Center museum, thus claiming the shutting down of the adjacent San Diego Freeway, according to authorities.

The fire, which began shortly after midnight had reduced to ashes no less than 150 acres west of the freeway until 4:00 a.m., fire spokesman Brian Humphrey said, as reported by the Associated Press. In addition, Mr. Humphrey explained that the blaze was only two miles away from Getty Center and over a mile from the contiguous houses.

In spite of the fact that the fire was approaching the Getty Center, as well as Mount St. Mary’s College, the areas were protected by numerous firefighters, who made sure that no one was injured. Approximately 350 firefighters dealt with the heated flames, with some help from eight helicopters that dropped water in order to douse the fire.

Officials warned residents in the Brentwood area that they might have to leave their homes, while centers were created at the American Jewish University and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Westwood for people in poor health who were forced to evacuate their houses.

Both directions of the freeway were reopened soon after 6 a.m., but authorities explained that they could be shut down again if the blaze breaks out. The cause of the fire was not immediately established.