Burbank Brush Fire Shuts Down Sunset Canyon Drive

BURBANK, CA — Firefighters in Burbank are tackling a hillside brushfire that has shut down a section of Sunset Canyon Drive and neighboring residential streets.

A billowing plume of smoke can be seen for miles around. The fire was reported early Friday afternoon near Sunset Canyon Drive and Harvard Road, the Burbank Police Department reported.

A greater-alarm brush fire scorched several acres and prompted the closure of some residential streets and recreational areas.

The fire was reported around 1 p.m. at Sunset Canyon Drive and Harvard Road, near DeBell Golf Club and in the vicinity of homes, but no evacuation orders were issued and no structural losses reported.

Residents had been advised to "listen for and follow instructions of emergency service personnel," according to Burbank police Sgt. Derek Green.

The fire burned away from structures into an area that was scorched in a blaze in the fall, according to reports from the scene. It sent up smoke that was visible for miles.

Los Angeles city and county fire department crews responded along with the Burbank Fire Department.

A county fire helicopter was seen making water drops and the Los Angeles Fire Department sent a brush crew to the scene.

Roadways and recreation areas above Sunset Canyon Drive, including Wildwood Canyon Park and the Stough Canyon Nature Center, were closed and people in those areas were advised to leave immediately, Green said.

Both Sunset Canyon Drive and Bel Aire Road were closed between Cypress and Walnut avenues, he said.

By about 5:15 p.m. some streets, including Bel Aire Road, were reopened, though Sunset Canyon Drive remained closed and Harvard Road was open to residents only, Green said.

Walnut Avenue was open east from Sunset Canyon Drive for access to the Castaway restaurant, he said.

City News Service and Patch Staffer contributed to this report. File photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.