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Urgent: Burbank Brush Fire Forces Evacuations Near Wildwood Canyon
The Walnut Fire: What’s Happening in Burbank Right Now
Hey there! You might have heard about a fire in Burbank. Don’t worry—we’ll explain everything in simple words so you understand what’s going on.
What Happened?
On Saturday afternoon, a fire started in a place called Wildwood Canyon in Burbank, California. Here’s the quick version:
- When: Around 3:10 PM
- Where: Near East Walnut Avenue and Harvard Road (the 1500 block)
- Name: Firefighters call it the "Walnut Fire"
- Type: A brush fire — that means it’s burning dry grass, bushes, and small plants, not buildings (yet!)
Think of it like a campfire that got loose in a dry field. The wind can make it spread fast, so firefighters are working hard to stop it.
Where Exactly Is the Fire?
| Location | What’s There | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Canyon | Hills, nature trails, open space | Fire burning here |
| Castaway Restaurant parking lot | Restaurant with a view | Firefighter command center |
| DeBell Restaurant & Golf Course | Golf course + restaurant | Evacuation ORDER |
| Stough Canyon Nature Center | Nature center + hiking trails | Evacuation ORDER |
| Starlight Bowl | Outdoor concert venue | Concert CANCELED |
| All hiking trails in area | Popular walking paths | CLOSED until further notice |
Who Is Fighting the Fire?
Verdugo Fire Academy crews are on the scene. These are trained firefighters — some are still learning, but they’re supervised by pros.
They set up their main command center at the Castaway Restaurant parking lot. Think of this like a firefighter headquarters — where they plan, communicate, and make decisions.
Fun fact: "Verdugo" comes from the Verdugo Mountains nearby. The academy trains firefighters for this exact kind of job!
What Does "Evacuation Order" Mean?
IMPORTANT: This is serious!
An evacuation order means:
"Leave NOW. Do not wait. Your life could be in danger."
It’s not a suggestion. It’s a must-do.
Two places have evacuation orders:
- DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course
- Stough Canyon Nature Center
If you’re there — go! Grab people and pets. Leave stuff behind. Drive calmly but quickly to safety.
What’s Closed?
- All hiking trails in the area — CLOSED
- Starlight Bowl concert — CANCELED
- Nature center access — CLOSED
Why close trails?
Dry weather + wind + fire = dangerous for hikers. Even if the fire seems far, smoke and falling embers can hurt you.
What Should YOU Do? (Step-by-Step)
If you live nearby or are visiting:
- Stay informed — Check official sources (Burbank City website, Verdugo Fire social media, local news)
- If told to leave — GO IMMEDIATELY — Don’t pack. Don’t wait. Just go.
- Keep windows/doors closed — If you’re home but not evacuated, keep smoke out.
- Don’t drive toward the fire — Roads may be blocked. Follow detour signs.
- Have a "go bag" ready — Water, meds, phone charger, ID, pet supplies — just in case.
- Check on neighbors — Especially older folks or people with kids/pets.
- Don’t fly drones! — They interfere with firefighting planes and helicopters.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY
- Things can change fast
- Check back often for updates
- Only trust official sources (city, fire dept, police)
EVACUATION ORDER = LEAVE NOW
- Not "get ready"
- Not "wait and see"
- GO.
SMOKE IS DANGEROUS TOO
- Even if flames aren’t near you, smoke can make it hard to breathe
- Kids, elders, and people with asthma — stay inside with air purifier if possible
Quick Summary
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Fire Name | Walnut Fire |
| Started | Saturday ~3:10 PM |
| Location | Wildwood Canyon, Burbank (near E. Walnut Ave & Harvard Rd) |
| Fighting It | Verdugo Fire Academy crews |
| Command Center | Castaway Restaurant parking lot |
| Evacuation Orders | DeBell Golf Course & Restaurant, Stough Canyon Nature Center |
| Closures | All hiking trails, Starlight Bowl concert canceled |
| Status | Developing — check for updates! |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Is my house in danger?
Only if you’re in the evacuation zones (DeBell or Stough Canyon areas). If you’re not told to leave, you’re likely okay — but stay alert and ready to go.
2. Can I go watch the fire?
NO.
- It’s dangerous
- You block firefighter access
- Drones are illegal near fires
- Stay home or go to a safe location
3. What if I have pets?
Take them with you!
Put them in carriers or on leashes. Have food, water, and meds ready. Never leave them behind.
4. How do I get official updates?
- City of Burbank website
- Verdugo Fire Communications (Twitter/X, Facebook)
- Local news: ABC7, NBC4, KTLA, LA Times
- Alert systems: Sign up for Nixle or ReadyVC alerts
5. Why do they call it a "brush fire"?
Because it’s burning brush — dry grass, shrubs, small trees. Not houses (yet). But brush fires can jump to homes fast with wind. That’s why they take it seriously.
Final Thought
Firefighters are working hard to keep everyone safe. Your job is simple: listen, leave if told, and stay informed.
Stay safe, Burbank!
We’ll update this as we learn more.
