Flames surround Getty Villa and Getty Center in Los Angeles (but James Ensor’s top work is safe)

That Palisades fire has already destroyed more than 20,000 acres. But the Getty Centera branch of the J. Paul Getty Museum in the mountains, is already somewhat ordinary. In 2017, a devastating fire also came treacherously close, without serious consequences.

The buildings are made of stone, including the roof, and have double walls and a tank with 4 million liters of water to water the areas (with shrubs) and therefore keep them wet. The modern internal air system can also keep harmful smoke out.