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Brush Fire Near Encino Reservoir: Crews Stop Forward Progress After Helicopter Water Drops

Stopping the blaze with reservoir-fed helicopters reduced the immediate threat to nearby homes.

Overview

  • Firefighters reported the blaze near the Encino Reservoir in the 4500 block of North Encino Avenue and used water-dropping helicopters plus ground crews to halt its forward spread.
  • Officials issued an evacuation warning for residents around the reservoir to prepare to leave if conditions worsened, but no mandatory evacuations were ordered.
  • LAFD said forward progress was stopped and crews moved into mop-up operations while reports of downed power lines prompted a response from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
  • Authorities gave differing early size estimates as crews refined their assessment, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
  • The incident highlights the risk of fast-moving spot fires at the urban-wildland edge and shows how nearby water sources can speed aerial firefighting response to protect homes and infrastructure.