Fire crews battled a fast-moving brush fire Saturday afternoon in Burbank’s Wildwood Canyon area, prompting evacuation orders and warnings as flames burned near several high-value homes along Country Club Drive.
The blaze, named the Walnut Fire, was first reported shortly before 3:10 p.m. in the 1500 block of East Walnut Avenue, near Harvard Road. Authorities have not confirmed a cause, though there were unverified reports that the fire may have started after a vehicle struck a tree.
By 4 p.m., Cal Fire said the wildfire had scorched about 20 acres of brush.
Video from the scene showed towering flames climbing the hillside as at least two helicopters made aerial attacks on the fire. Nearby residents looked on anxiously while fire engines stood ready in the neighborhood, according to City News Service.
“Evacuation orders are in place for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center,” Burbank officials said in a post on X. “Hiking trails closed until further notice.”
An employee at the Castaway restaurant on Harvard Road told City News Service that the business had not been ordered or warned to evacuate. Instead, staff were instructed to shelter in place.
The Burbank Police Department and Burbank Fire Department responded to the fire at around 3:20 p.m. City officials said mutual aid was also being provided by other fire agencies in the region.
Crews from the Verdugo Fire Academy were actively working to contain the Walnut Fire, with Burbank officials saying the command post had been established in the Castaway Restaurant parking lot.
The Starlight Bowl concert which as was scheduled for today has been canceled.
