A sudden brush fire flared up Friday evening at Hansen Dam in the northern San Fernando Valley, sending a column of smoke over the recreation basin and pulling firefighters into the area in a hurry. Park visitors and nearby residents reported seeing Los Angeles Fire Department crews staged along North Dronfield Avenue as responders worked to corral the flames.
What LAFD Posted
According to LAFD, the department issued an alert placing the fire at N Dronfield Ave and listing Fire Station 98 (FS98) as the unit assigned. The post included links to a map and incident details but did not initially offer an acreage estimate or report any injuries.
Hansen Dam's Brush-Fire Track Record
Hansen Dam and the surrounding basin have seen more than a few flare-ups in recent years, with several brush fires growing to multiple acres and requiring both air and ground resources. Past coverage documented similar incidents and evacuations, as reported by CBS Los Angeles.
Earlier LAFD Alert Near Dronfield Ave
LAFD's alerts archive lists a May 27, 2026 entry for a brush fire near 10965 N Dronfield Ave that burned roughly three‑quarters to one acre and also had FS98 attached to the response. That update reported that forward progress had been stopped and one firefighter was treated for a minor injury. The May incident is part of a string of recent brush‑fire responses in the flats around the Hansen Dam basin.
Safety Tips and Where to Get Updates
If you are in or near the Hansen Dam area, steer clear of the scene and give emergency crews plenty of breathing room to work. Anyone with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity while smoke lingers. For preparedness checklists and smoke‑safety guidance, see resources from Cal Fire and the CDC.
