Burbank residents experienced tense moments Tuesday afternoon as the Bethany Fire threatened homes along the city's hillside. Firefighters successfully halted the fire's advancement, and by 5:55 p.m., according to CBS News Los Angeles, evacuation orders were lifted, though crews remained vigilant overnight for monitoring and clean-up efforts. The Burbank Police Department had closed hiking trails above the city, including those at Wildwood Canyon and the Stough Nature Center, urging, "If you are on or near the hiking trails or in these recreation areas in the Burbank hills, please leave the area immediately."
The fire, designated as the Bethany Fire, ignited near the intersection of Bethany Road and Amherst Drive around 3:40 p.m. and quickly escalated to a two-alarm fire, as ABC7 reported. The blaze consumed an estimated 8 to 10 acres but was contained with the strategic placement of fire hoses. Despite the rapid response by the firefighters, the cause of the fire remains to be determined.
Residents affected by the blaze found reprieve when the Burbank Fire Department lifted all evacuation orders by 6 p.m., with officials noting that the fire was successfully contained at about eight acres, information confirmed by FOX LA. Despite the containment, the Burbank Police Department has maintained closures of all hiking trails above the city as a precautionary measure.
