Firefighters battled a fast-moving brush fire on the Verdugo Mountain hillside above Burbank on Saturday, sending thick smoke into nearby neighborhoods and prompting temporary evacuation orders for businesses and recreational areas.
The Walnut Fire was first reported around 3 p.m. in the 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue, near DeBell Golf Course and Wildwood Canyon Park. Officials said the fire grew rapidly within minutes as flames moved through dry vegetation on steep hillside terrain.
By the latest update, the fire had burned approximately 40 acres and was 70% contained. Firefighters reported that forward progress was stopped by about 7:10 p.m., although difficult terrain and limited access complicated efforts to fully control the blaze.
One firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to the city of Burbank.
Vehicle Crash Investigated as Possible Cause
Authorities are investigating whether a single-vehicle crash shortly before the fire was reported may have sparked the blaze.
A crash was reported at approximately 2:57 p.m. near 1200 E. Harvard Road, only minutes before firefighters received the first report of the Walnut Fire. Video from the area showed a vehicle that had been heavily burned after crashing along the roadside, with surrounding vegetation also consumed by flames.
Burbank Fire Chief Joey Petteys said investigators believe the crash was connected to the fire.
“Definitely, the traffic accident had something to do with it,” Petteys said.
The driver was detained and questioned before being released, officials said. The circumstances surrounding the crash and the exact cause of the fire remain under investigation.
Golfers Forced to Leave as Flames Spread
The fire created a tense afternoon for people enjoying the popular recreational areas near the hillside.
At the height of the blaze, smoke could be seen billowing above the surrounding communities. Footage from DeBell Golf Course showed flames burning dangerously close to the area, forcing golfers to evacuate in the middle of their games.
Heavy water drops from firefighting aircraft helped reduce the smoke plume considerably by about 5 p.m., while crews on the ground continued working along the steep terrain.
A group of hikers also found themselves caught near the fire and were forced to seek a safe route out.
Michael Yegiazryan, one of the hikers, said the group initially believed the route they had taken was leading toward the fire.
“The way that we came from, it looked like that’s where the fire was. So we just decided we should probably just keep climbing up,” he said. “We called 911.”
The hikers were told a helicopter had been dispatched to assist them, but they ultimately found another route down to the roadway.
Evacuations Lifted, Trails Remain Closed
Temporary evacuation orders were issued for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center as firefighters worked to contain the flames. Those orders were later lifted.
An evacuation warning previously issued for Churches Court and Country Club Drive was also lifted, according to Burbank officials.
Despite the improved conditions, authorities said several restrictions remain in place. Hiking trails in the affected area will stay closed until further notice.
The Starlight Bowl concert scheduled for Saturday night was also canceled because of the fire and resulting safety concerns.
Fire crews are expected to remain in the area through the night and into Sunday, continuing containment work and searching for hot spots that could reignite.
Officials urged residents and visitors to stay away from closed trails and follow any instructions issued by emergency personnel as firefighters continue mop-up operations.
