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Art Safe: Villa Staff Brave Blaze
30 Sep
Summary
- Getty Villa staff stayed behind to defend the museum from a wildfire.
- The museum's design incorporated fire-resistant materials and systems.
- Staff used extinguishers and boots to put out small fires on the grounds.
On January 7, 2025, the Getty Villa, a museum dedicated to Greek and Roman art, faced a significant threat from a nearby brush fire. While most employees evacuated, a dozen security and facilities volunteers remained to implement the museum's emergency plan. They operated from the Emergency Operations Center, sealed the building, and fought small fires that erupted on the grounds.
The museum's architecture played a crucial role in its protection. Reinforced concrete walls, fire-rated doors, and a specialized air conditioning system helped prevent smoke and flames from entering. While sprinklers were on standby, the focus was on preventing fires from reaching the structures. Outside, fire-conscious landscaping and an irrigation system also contributed to the defense.
As the Palisades Fire raged, burning over 23,000 acres and destroying thousands of structures, the Getty Villa could not rely solely on external fire services. The on-site team worked tirelessly, using extinguishers, shovels, and even their boots to extinguish flames in areas like rosemary vines and plants near the amphitheater. They directed firefighters to adjacent fires and offered their 50,000-gallon water reservoir.
Lessons learned from the event include the importance of water-based extinguishers for brush fires in windy conditions and the recommendation that staff should be sent home early. The Getty Villa's experience highlights the value of thorough emergency planning, robust building design, and the dedication of its staff in safeguarding cultural heritage against natural disasters.
