Burbank Residents Evacuated as Wildfire Rages Near Airport

Burbank Residents Evacuated as Wildfire Rages Near AirportBurbank Residents Evacuated as Wildfire Rages Near Airport Burbank, California – A fast-moving wildfire sparked near Burbank Airport on Thursday evening, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes and prompting the closure of a major freeway. The fire, dubbed the “Airport Fire,” ignited around 6:30 pm. in an area known as the Verdugo Mountains. Driven by strong winds, the blaze quickly spread, covering hundreds of acres within hours. As the fire advanced, authorities ordered mandatory evacuations for several neighborhoods in Burbank, including the neighborhoods of Lakeside, Providencia, and Hillside. Over 10,000 residents were affected by the evacuations. The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport was also shut down due to the proximity of the fire. All flights were canceled or diverted, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Burbank, Glendale, and Los Angeles Fire Departments, battled the blaze through the night. Airplanes and helicopters were used to drop retardant and water on the flames. By Friday morning, the fire had scorched over 500 acres, but firefighters had made significant progress in containing its spread. The evacuation orders remained in place, however, as crews continued to battle the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy praised the quick response of emergency crews and urged residents to follow evacuation orders. “The safety of our community is our top priority,” she said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.” Residents who have been evacuated are advised to stay informed about the latest updates through local media and the city’s website.