Responding to Disaster

The Getty Fire

Behind the scenes with Getty’s emergency response teams

Responding to Disaster

The Getty Fire

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A group stands in front of a burn-scarred hillside where they see temporary fences

Steven Olsen, Jim Cuno, Bob Combs, Gideon Brower (audio producer), and Lisa Lapin view the construction site of new debris fences.

By James Cuno

Jan 8, 2020 43:48 min

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Southern California has always faced wildfires, but in recent years the threat has grown.

Both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa are situated in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounded by brushland, making them particularly vulnerable to the increased fire risk. In October 2019, the eponymous “Getty Fire” roared through the Santa Monicas near the Getty Center for days. But the Getty staff was prepared for just such a situation.

In this episode, we hear about the preparation for and response to the Getty Fire from Getty’s director of security Bob Combs; director of facilities Mike Rogers; vice president of communications Lisa Lapin; and chief financial officer and chief operating officer Steve Olsen.

More to explore:

After the Fire, Getty Works to Protect Hillsides and Neighbors
Why the Getty Center Is the Safest Place for Art During a Fire

A burned canyon with heavy equipment in front of it

View of a canyon where new debris fencing is going up. The red line marks the location of one such fence.

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