Full Breakdown
Walnut Fire in Burbank Hills Contained After Evacuations and Trail Closures
8/9/2026, 11:40:57 AM
Core Event
On Saturday afternoon, a brush fire ignited near the intersection of Wildwood Canyon and Harvard Road on the Verdugo Mountain hillside above Burbank. The blaze, quickly dubbed the “Walnut Fire,” was first reported around 3 p.m. near the 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue, close to DeBell Golf Course and Wildwood Canyon Park. Firefighters from the Burbank Police Department, Burbank Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and CalFire responded, employing ground crews, helicopters, and water drops. By 5:55 p.m. the fire was reported 70 % contained, and forward progress was halted by 7:10 p.m. One firefighter was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators are examining a single-vehicle crash that occurred minutes before the fire was reported as a possible ignition source.
Official Statements & Responses
The city of Burbank announced that evacuation orders for DeBell Golf Course, the Stough Canyon Nature Center, and nearby residences were lifted after containment improved. Hiking trails remain closed until further notice, and the Starlight Bowl concert scheduled for August 8 was canceled. CalFire noted that “firefighters are working in steep, rugged terrain with limited access, making suppression efforts more challenging. Crews remain engaged with both ground and air resources to slow the fire’s spread and protect nearby communities.”
Data & Statistics
- Reported size: approximately 40 acres (ktla, abc7) versus about 20 acres (Los Angeles Times).
- Containment: 70 % as of early evening.
- Injuries: one firefighter with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Resources: multiple helicopters conducting water drops; ground crews from local and federal agencies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the fire’s acreage, with two outlets citing roughly 40 acres and one outlet reporting about 20 acres. The exact cause remains unconfirmed; officials are investigating the nearby single-vehicle crash, but no definitive link has been established.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hiking trails [in the area are] closed until further notice” — Burbank PD
- “Definitely, the traffic accident had something to do with it,” — Burbank Fire Chief Joey
- “Firefighters are working in steep, rugged terrain with limited access, making suppression efforts more challenging. Crews remain engaged with both ground and air resources to slow the fire’s spread and protect nearby communities,” — CalFire
