The Los Angeles Fire Department reported a brush fire that occurred on August 3rd, starting at approximately 12:50 PM near 15700 W Burbank Boulevard, as identified in incident #0826. According to LAFD Alert, the fire covered five acres in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, located near the intersection of Burbank Boulevard and Woodley Avenue. The fire exhibited a slow rate of spread, and initially, it posed no threat to the surrounding infrastructure. Evacuation of the 'Apollo 11 Model Aircraft Field' was conducted as a precaution, and thus far, no injuries have been reported.
The LAFD initiated a ground and air response to combat the flames, and as a result, managed to quickly contain the sizeable brush fire. An update revealed that by 2:35 PM, 69 firefighters successfully stopped all forward progress of the fire, holding the burn area to 75 acres. This information was confirmed via a later LAFD report, which also stated that the firefighters employed largely defensive firefighting operations from both the ground and air.
Traffic restrictions were promptly implemented as part of the firefighting efforts in the area. Northbound and southbound lanes on Woodley Avenue between Burbank Boulevard and Victory Boulevard were closed to ensure the safety of the emergency crews. Motorists were advised to expect congestion and were encouraged to find alternate routes to avoid the area affected by the fire.
The LAFD has not yet announced an estimated time of reopening for Woodley Avenue, and drivers are to remain using alternate paths of travel until further notice.
