- A fire broke out in the 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue near DeBell Golf Course around 3 p.m. on Saturday.
- A single-vehicle crash was reported nearby about three minutes before the fire, leading to the driver being detained and questioned.
- Evacuation orders were issued for DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center.
- By 7:10 p.m., forward progress of the fire had been stopped.
- As of Saturday evening, the fire was approximately 40 acres and 70% contained.
- Evacuation orders and warnings have since been lifted, although hiking trails remain closed and the Starlight Bowl concert was canceled.
- Crews will remain on scene through Sunday for mop-up and further containment.
- The fire's difficult fight was attributed to steep terrain and access issues.
- According to the city of Burbank, one firefighter was taken to an area hospital to treat non-life-threatening injuries.
The Walnut Fire, which ignited around 3 p.m. on Saturday in the 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue, has burned approximately 40 acres and is now 70% contained. Fire crews faced challenges due to steep terrain and access issues, but by 7:10 p.m., they successfully halted the fire's forward progress.156
At one point, more than 3,100 personnel were assigned to combat the blaze, protecting communities including Angels Camp, Valley Springs, Copperopolis, and San Andreas. As of Saturday evening, 2,676 personnel remained on the scene.
Evacuation orders for the DeBell Restaurant and Golf Course and Stough Canyon Nature Center have been lifted, along with warnings for Churches Court and Country Club Drive. However, hiking trails will remain closed until further notice, and a scheduled concert at Starlight Bowl was canceled.4
The fire's cause is under investigation, with a nearby vehicle crash being considered a potential factor. Burbank Fire Chief Joey Petteys stated, "Definitely, the traffic accident had something to do with it." One firefighter was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries during the firefighting efforts.10
Community support has been evident, with locals expressing gratitude towards firefighters. Valley Springs resident Marie Ale described the experience as “nerve-wracking”, adding, “It looked like a scene from out of the movies.”
“The fire is suspected to have been caused by a single-vehicle crash on E. Harvard Road, with the driver detained and released. One firefighter was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and the Starlight Bowl concert was canceled.”
ABC7 Los Angeles
