Evacuation orders lifted after Simi Valley brush fire threatens homes, grows to more than 100 acres

Evacuation orders have been lifted after a brush fire threatened homes and grew to more than 100 acres in Simi Valley.

The fire erupted around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday in the hills near the 2800 block of Sharp Road, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

An evacuation order was issued shortly after for homes along Ditch Road, but residents were allowed back in the neighborhood by the evening when Simi Valley police said the blaze was contained.

"The Ventura County Fire Department will be mopping hot spots and monitoring the area throughout the night," police said in a statement. "All roads are now open and residents who were asked to evacuate may now return to their residences."

Large plumes of smoke billowed over the surrounding area as the blaze quickly grew to more than 40 acres in less than two hours after it erupted. The fire, named the Sharp Fire, was estimated at 133 acres as of around 5:40 p.m.

A total of 200 firefighters battled the blaze, while air tankers dropped Phos-Chek retardant and helicopters focused on dousing hot spots, according to the fire department.

"Engine companies are hiking in thousands of feet of hose to extend attack lines, while hand crews are building containment lines with hand tools. Bulldozers are also being used to construct containment lines," the fire department said on X.

One firefighter was taken to a hospital for a minor heat-related injury. The firefighter was "doing very well and recovering at this time," Capt. Brian McGrath of the Ventura County Fire Department said.

Some 60 homes were under evacuation, and an evacuation center was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.