A fire threatened the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday, in a week that has seen hundreds of thousands of acres burn in the state.
On Wednesday morning, the Easy Fire in Simi Valley, California, was reported to be within 30 yards of the museum and library that honors the 40th president. The fire temporarily circled the pavilion that houses Air Force One, which Reagan flew to 26 countries, The Washington Post reported.
However, firefighters were able to control the fire despite wind gusts that topped 50 mph, the newspaper reported.
“The fire literally ringed the Reagan Library — the worst is behind us now, for sure, but it was a pretty dangerous situation,” John Heubusch, executive director of the library told the Post. “It came right up against the Air Force One Pavilion.”
Heubusch told the newspaper he hopes to reopen the library Thursday.
The presidential library and museum is in a part of Southern California that is now under a mandatory evacuation because of the fire. The museum hosts rotating exhibits in addition to permanent exhibits remembering Reagan’s life and time in the White House. The library contains many of Reagan’s papers and articles from his time as president.
“The library is very safe,” Melissa Geller, a spokeswoman for the library told The Associated Press. “But the fire does seem to be getting close.”
Geller said in an interview with Fox News that there was both indoor and outdoor fire protection for the center. According to Geller, in the spring, 300 to 500 goats are brought in to eat dead brush near the center, creating a fire break around the area.
In addition, she said, the entire center is built as a fire-safe location with fire doors throughout the center along with a sprinkler system.
The Easy Fire erupted around 6 a.m. local time near the 118 Freeway and Madera Road.
Here are some things housed at the center:
Air Force One: The airplane that flew Reagan more than 660,000 miles in his eight years in office is on display at the museum.
The Berlin Wall: A piece of the wall that cordoned off the city of Berlin at the start of the Cold War is on permanent display at the center.
The Oval Office: A full-scale replica of Reagan's office in the White House is on display.
Egypt's Lost Cities: A temporary display at the center focuses on two ancient Egyptian cities. According to the museum, more than 200 artifacts, including three colossal 16-foot sculptures of a pharaoh, a queen and a god, are on view.
The Reagans' remains: Both Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan are buried on the grounds.
Cox Media Group
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