VAN NUYS, CA — Over 125 firefighters battled a brush fire that erupted within the Sepulveda basin on August 22, 2014, scorching 30 acres. Just before 4:00 PM the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the 15700 block of Burbank Boulevard to find thick brush and trees on fire in the Sepulveda basin.
A 10 mph southerly wind began blowing embers, creating several spot fires. The flames quickly spread to 10-acres and began burning two different areas, South and North of Burbank Boulevard, prompting the Incident Commander to create two separate branches of command and control. A large column of grey smoke was clearly visible from the 405 and 101 freeways.
Firefighters attacked the flames with hose-lines and hand tools, in nearly 90 degree weather. Multiple helicopters, including the Erickson Air-Crane, performed precise water drops. Fortunately there are no structures threatened and firefighters were able to take more of a defensive posture. No one was injured.
The fires prompted the California Highway Patrol to shut down the Burbank Boulevard off-ramps from the northbound and southbound San Diego (405) Freeway. Burbank Boulevard also was closed between Woodley Avenue and Balboa Boulevard for a period of time.
Over 125 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, fully extinguished the flames in nearly two and a half hours. A total of 30 Acres burned. Firefighters remained on the scene through the next day to continue extinguishing hot spots.
The cause of the fire is under active investigation.