A brush fire erupted Saturday afternoon near Wildwood Canyon in Burbank, California, prompting evacuation orders and warnings as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
The fire, known as the Walnut Fire, was first reported shortly before 3:10 p.m. in the 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue near Harvard Road in Burbank, according to local officials.
Fire crews responded as the blaze threatened the Wildwood Canyon area and nearby recreational locations.
Walnut Fire Prompts Evacuation Orders in Burbank
Burbank officials issued evacuation orders for the DeBell Restaurant and Stough Canyon Nature Center as firefighters battled the fire.
Hiking trails in the affected area were also closed until further notice.
The fire’s location near Wildwood Canyon has raised concerns because of the area’s hillsides, vegetation and proximity to populated parts of Burbank.
Residents and visitors in the affected areas were urged to follow instructions from emergency officials and avoid entering closed areas.
Firefighters Battle Brush Fire Near Wildwood Canyon
Verdugo Fire Academy crews were among the firefighters responding to the Walnut Fire.
The incident command center was established in the parking lot of the Castaway Restaurant as crews worked to fight the blaze and protect nearby areas.
Officials continued assessing the fire as conditions developed.
At the time of the latest confirmed report, authorities had not announced a final acreage figure or containment percentage.
Starlight Bowl Concert Canceled
The wildfire also disrupted a scheduled event in Burbank.
City officials announced that the Starlight Bowl concert scheduled for Saturday evening was canceled because of the fire and emergency response.
Hiking trails around the affected area remained closed while firefighters continued operations.
The closures were intended to keep members of the public away from active firefighting operations and potentially dangerous conditions.
What We Know About the Walnut Fire
Fire: Walnut Fire
Location: Wildwood Canyon area, Burbank, California
County: Los Angeles County
First reported: Shortly before 3:10 p.m. Saturday, August 8
Location of origin: 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue near Harvard Road
Evacuation orders: DeBell Restaurant and Stough Canyon Nature Center
Other closures: Hiking trails in the area
Emergency response: Verdugo Fire Academy crews and other firefighters
Event affected: Starlight Bowl concert canceled
Containment: Not yet confirmed in the latest available report
Acreage: Not yet confirmed in the latest available report
The Walnut Fire remains a developing situation in Burbank as firefighters work to stop the blaze and protect nearby communities.
Residents and visitors should continue monitoring official Burbank and Los Angeles County emergency updates for changes to evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and access restrictions.