If you woke up this morning and smelled even a hint of smoke in the air, your first instinct was probably to check the hills. Living in the Media Capital of the World is great until the Santa Ana winds kick up and everyone starts eyeing the Verdugos with a mix of suspicion and dread. Honestly, we've all been there. You see a plume of gray against the blue sky and immediately wonder if it's time to grab the "go-bag" or if someone is just having a really enthusiastic backyard BBQ.
So, let's get straight to the point: is there a fire in burbank today? As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, there are no active major wildfires currently burning within the Burbank city limits. That’s the good news. However, the situation in the surrounding Los Angeles County area is a bit more nuanced. If you're seeing haze or smelling that distinct campfire scent, it's likely drifting in from regional incidents rather than a local blaze. Earlier this week, there was some localized activity in the San Fernando Valley—specifically a major emergency structure fire in Winnetka on January 13 and a commercial fire in North Hills—but those have been largely neutralized.
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Why It Smells Like Smoke (Even If Nothing is Burning Here)
It’s kind of frustrating, right? You look out the window, the sky looks "off," and the air quality index on your phone is screaming yellow or orange. Even when there isn't a direct fire in Burbank, we often act as a literal basin for smoke from elsewhere.
Recently, the region has been dealing with the aftermath of the Hughes Fire near Castaic. While that's a good drive north of us, the way the wind pulls through the Newhall Pass can send smoke settling right over the Valley floor. Furthermore, fire crews are still monitoring "hot spots" from older burn scars. If the wind shifts just right, that old ash gets kicked up and makes everything look like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie.
- The Verdugo Mountains: Currently clear, though they remain a "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone."
- Stough Canyon and Wildwood: Open to hikers, but always check for Red Flag warnings before you head up.
- Air Quality: Currently hovering in the "Moderate" range for most of the 91501 to 91506 zip codes.
Current Fire Risk and Red Flag Conditions
You've probably noticed it's been pretty dry lately. The National Weather Service and the Burbank Fire Department (BFD) keep a close eye on the "Red Flag" status. Basically, if the humidity drops into the single digits and the gusts hit 30+ mph, we’re in the danger zone.
Right now, we aren't under a formal Red Flag Warning, but the risk remains "High" due to the lack of recent significant rainfall. It’s that weird Southern California winter where it feels like summer. One tossed cigarette or a spark from a weed whacker is all it takes to turn a dry hillside into a problem.
How to Stay Updated in Real-Time
Don't just rely on a Google search and hope for the best. If a fire in Burbank actually breaks out, seconds matter. You want to be looking at the sources the pros use.
- Watch Duty App: Seriously, if you don't have this, get it. It’s a non-profit app that tracks radio frequencies and satellite hotspots. It often beats the local news by 15-20 minutes.
- Burbank Fire Department on X (formerly Twitter): They are surprisingly fast at posting "Knockdown" notices or "Brush Fire" alerts.
- The Burbank City Website: They have a dedicated "Red Flag Updates" page that is the gold standard for evacuation info.
What Most People Get Wrong About Burbank Fires
A common misconception is that if the fire is on the "other side" of the hill (like in Glendale or La Crescenta), we're safe. That’s just not how it works here. Embers can travel miles in high winds. During the La Tuna Fire a few years back, we saw just how jumpy these blazes can be.
Another thing: people often mistake the "purple haze" of a sunset for smoke. Sometimes it's just the atmosphere doing its thing, but in January, it’s usually worth a quick check of the LAFD or BFD active incident maps.
What You Should Do Today
Since there isn't an active threat right this second, it’s the perfect time to do the boring stuff you’ve been putting off.
- Check your vents: Make sure your attic vents are covered with fine mesh. This stops embers from flying inside and starting a fire from the inside out.
- Clear the "Five-Foot Zone": Move the firewood, the dry mulch, and the dead leaves away from your actual house walls.
- Sign up for Burbank Community Alerts: This is the system that calls your phone if you need to leave now. If you aren't on the list, you're relying on a neighbor to bang on your door.
While you're at it, take a look at your air filters. If you've been smelling smoke from the Castaic or North Hills incidents, your HVAC filter is likely working overtime. Swapping it out for a MERV 13 filter can make a massive difference in how you feel tomorrow morning.
Stay vigilant, keep your eyes on the hills, and maybe keep the car gassed up just in case. It’s just the reality of living in this beautiful, dry corner of the world.
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Next Steps for Safety:
Check the official Burbank Fire Department incident page for any mid-day updates, and ensure your "Ready, Set, Go" plan is printed and accessible for every member of your household. If you see active smoke that hasn't been reported, dial 911 immediately rather than checking social media first.