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by Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com

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Getty Center, Johnny Cash home threatened by ring of fire in California (photos)

Two tourist attractions are being threatened by continued wildfires in California.

The Associated Press reports a new blaze erupted near Los Angeles in the Ventura, Calif., area early Wednesday. Part of I-405 was shut down as flames quickly spread across the steep slopes of Sepulveda Pass, through the Santa Monica Mountains where ridge tops are covered with expensive homes.

More than 125 firefighters and helicopters dropping water were on the scene of the 405 freeway near the Getty Center, an art complex that draws nearly 2 million visitors annually. Officials for the J. Paul Getty Museum said air filtration systems are protecting the galleries from smoke, but the museum is closed to the public Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Times reports a ring of fire also formed around the hillside house where "Ring of Fire" singer Johnny Cash once lived. As of Tuesday night, it was unclear if the home was still standing.

According to the Times, the new fires covered as much as 50 acres by 6:20 a.m. PT, but Los Angeles fire officials say 25 mph winds could make it spread.

"The prospects for containment are not good," Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen said at a news conference Tuesday. "Really, Mother Nature's going to decide when we have the ability to put it out."

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This is my commute to work this morning on the 405 South by the Getty Center. Please be safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/pj3nf00rsk — Melissa Castro (@Healthgap_mila) December 6, 2017

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Firefighters are taking a stand around #JohnnyCash’s former home...one of many houses threatened by Ventura County’s #ThomasFire. The homeowner talks about what the iconic house means to the community. pic.twitter.com/p1hSZ0KczY — Jodi Hernandez (@JodiHernandezTV) December 6, 2017

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Not the typical morning commute... pic.twitter.com/kJIOQeqsIK — A. Mutzabaugh CMT (@WLV_investor) December 6, 2017

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Los Angeles near the Getty Center looks like Mordor right now. pic.twitter.com/ET6f1gkmre — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 6, 2017

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BREAKING: Friend just sent this pic of fire burning at Sepulveda and Getty Center, off 405. AVOID AREA! @foxla pic.twitter.com/hN37zBwAQa — Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) December 6, 2017

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It’s getting MUCH worse for us in Los Angeles and Ventura County! Check on your people if they live here. The air quality is HORRIBLE so even if you’re not near the fires, you’re affected! #SkirballFire #ThomasFire #RyeFire #CreekFire pic.twitter.com/cNQDX2TwYY — Justin Key (@JustinKey101) December 6, 2017

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More video Of my drive to work this.

Praying 🙏 for ppl up in those mountains, LA County and myself this morning.

FYI anyone on the #405 turn around ITS ON 🔥 #california #SkirballFire pic.twitter.com/023kBWaOPN — CoCo Mayo♏️🦂 (@CoCo_Mayo76) December 6, 2017

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Fire right now on the 405, across the street from the Getty Center 💔 this is heartbreaking. Uber driver tells me there’re so many deers in this area pic.twitter.com/jSeed0nFlC — Juliana Sakae (@jusakae) December 6, 2017

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As a new wildfire breaks out in Los Angeles, this time in Bel-Air, 100+ firefighters are already on the scene. The 405 is closed near Getty Center. https://t.co/BvVwpZKmq1 pic.twitter.com/eHsfcjByP7 — Los Angeles Times (@latimes) December 6, 2017

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Driving to LAX just as they’re closing the 405 for this roaring hillside fire near the Getty exit. Car windows are hot. Stay safe, LA. pic.twitter.com/gclO6A6WB9 — Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) December 6, 2017

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On my way to work. West L.A / Bel Air is on fire! Sadly, 'tis the season... pic.twitter.com/WgT54qEyGj — Chinyere Echewa (@C_Echewa) December 6, 2017

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According to the AP, some 12,000 structures were under threat Tuesday.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said the gusty winds expected to last most of the week had created a dangerous situation and urged more than 150,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders to leave their homes before it's too late.

"We have lost structures, we have not lost lives," he said. "Do not wait. Leave your homes."

Wildfires have also forced HBO's "Westworld" and CBS' "SWAT" to halt production. The NFL's Los Angeles Rams, which holds workouts near the Ventura County fire, canceled practice Wednesday.

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The fire is moving very quickly with the wind. #ThomasFire pic.twitter.com/PyiORCewEi — Marcus Yam 火 (@yamphoto) December 5, 2017

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5 friends from Camarillo banded together and went to Ventura to do what they can: help try stop homes from catching on fire with garden hoses with other strangers. pic.twitter.com/41AvBl3CvI — Marcus Yam 火 (@yamphoto) December 5, 2017

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This is a recurring scene in my dreams. #California pic.twitter.com/HYV5w5bdlm — Marcus Yam 火 (@yamphoto) December 5, 2017

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Noah Berger

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Flames consume vehicles as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Jae C. Hong | AP

A wildfire threatens homes as it burns along the 101 Freeway Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.

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