Fire erupts in Hollywood Hills near 101 Freeway

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Crews battled an 18-acre brush fire that sparked in the Hollywood Hills on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said the fire broke out near the Ford Amphitheatre, around the area of the 101 Freeway and Cahuenga Boulevard at about 3:05 p.m.

More than 200 firefighters from 30 fire companies battled the blaze from the ground and air, according to the fire department.

Downed power lines created hazardous conditions in the area, fire officials said.

No homes were threatened by the fire, according to the fire department, and no mandatory evacuations were ordered.

Fire officials recommended the public remain vigilant and clear brush near their homes. The fire department recommends clearing brush at least 200 feet from the home.

"We're looking at five years of drought. The conditions in the hillside communities are extreme. The fuels are ready to burn," Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Charles Butler explained.

The fire caused the 101 Freeway to back-up as drivers slowed down to observe the smoke and flames.

ABC7 viewers took to social media to share their photos and videos by using #abc7eyewitness:

ABC7 viewers reported seeing the smoke from the fire from as far as Glendale and Burbank.

Officials had not yet determined what caused the fire.