Image Source: KTLA
Fires near me became an urgent concern for residents near Burbank on Saturday after a brush fire raced across a hillside above the city. Officials are investigating whether a single-vehicle crash sparked the blaze, which spread across approximately 40 acres near homes, a golf course and hiking areas.
Fires Near Me: Crash Investigated After Walnut Fire Erupts
The Walnut Fire was first reported at about 3 p.m. Saturday, August 8, in the 1500 block of East Walnut Avenue near DeBell Golf Course and Wildwood Canyon Park. The fire quickly grew within minutes as flames moved through dry brush on the Verdugo Mountain hillside.
In its latest update, fire officials said the incident covered roughly 40 acres and was 70% contained. Crews stopped the forward progress by approximately 7:10 p.m., reducing the immediate threat of additional spread. Firefighters continued working through the night and into Sunday to strengthen containment lines and extinguish remaining hot spots.
Shocking Crash Timeline Raises Questions
A single-vehicle crash was reported at about 1200 East Harvard Road roughly three minutes before the fire was first called in. Investigators are examining the crash as a possible ignition source. Video from the scene showed a burned-out vehicle on the side of the road, with the car and nearby vegetation heavily damaged by fire.
Burbank Fire Chief Joey Petteys said the traffic accident was clearly connected to the incident, although the official cause remains under investigation. The driver was detained, questioned and later released, officials said. No criminal charges were announced in the provided update.
“Definitely, the traffic accident had something to do with it,” Petteys said.
Steep Terrain Complicated Firefighting Effort
Fire officials said the response was difficult because of steep terrain and limited access. Crews relied on ground resources and heavy water drops to slow the flames and protect nearby areas. By 5 p.m., footage from the surrounding neighborhood showed that the smoke plume had significantly diminished.
One firefighter was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the city of Burbank. Officials did not provide additional details about the injury.
Videos from nearby locations showed thick smoke rising above the community and intense flames burning close to DeBell Golf Course. Golfers were forced to leave in the middle of their games as the fire approached.
Evacuations Lifted, Trails Still Closed
Evacuation orders for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center were later lifted. An evacuation warning for Churches Court and Country Club Drive was also canceled, according to city officials.
Although residents and businesses were allowed to return, authorities continued urging caution around the burn area. Hiking trails remain closed until further notice because of lingering fire danger, unstable terrain and ongoing cleanup operations.
- Approximately 40 acres burned on the Verdugo Mountain hillside.
- The Walnut Fire reached 70% containment in the latest update.
- Forward progress was stopped at about 7:10 p.m.
- One firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
- The suspected driver was detained, questioned and released.
- The Starlight Bowl concert scheduled for Saturday was canceled.
Hikers Call 911 During Dangerous Escape
The fire also created a frightening situation for people hiking in the area. Hiker Michael Yegiazryan said he and others initially believed the route they had taken led directly toward the flames. The group decided to climb higher and called 911 for help.
Yegiazryan said they were told a helicopter might be sent to assist, but the hikers eventually found a route down to the road. Their experience highlighted the rapidly changing conditions on the hillside as smoke and flames spread.
Fire crews were expected to remain at the scene throughout Sunday, focusing on mop-up operations and searching for hidden hot spots. Residents looking for fires near me updates should rely on official city and fire department announcements before returning to closed trails or affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Burbank hillside fire?
Officials are investigating a single-vehicle crash near East Harvard Road as the possible cause. The driver was detained, questioned and released, but the investigation was not reported as complete.
How large was the Walnut Fire?
The fire burned approximately 40 acres on the Verdugo Mountain hillside near Burbank. Fire crews reported that it was 70% contained in the latest update.
Were evacuations issued?
Evacuation orders were issued for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center. Those orders were later lifted, along with an evacuation warning for Churches Court and Country Club Drive.
Are the hiking trails open?
No. Burbank officials said hiking trails will remain closed until further notice while crews address remaining hot spots and safety concerns.
Was anyone injured?
One firefighter was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported in the provided update.
