Firefighter injured in 133-acre brush fire that threatened homes in Simi Valley

Evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Wednesday night after a fast-moving 133 acre brush fire that left one firefighter injured erupted in Simi Valley and threatened nearby homes.

The Sharp Fire first ignited in the area of Sharp Road and Ditch Road on the north side of the valley at about 1:45 p.m., according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Officials estimated it had burned approximately 133 acres of dry brush as of 5:25 p.m.

“There are approximately 200 firefighters on scene. Multiple fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are attacking the fire from the air,” VCFD posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Fire officials confirmed to KTLA that one firefighter suffered heat-related injuries and was taken to the hospital in moderate condition.

Sky5 footage showed air tankers dropping retardant along the western flank of the fire. The flames appeared to be moving northward and eastward, away from homes.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department ordered mandatory evacuations for homes along Ditch Road. A temporary evacuation center was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Center at 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue.

Officials said there are approximately 60 homes in the evacuation area.

Evacuation warnings were also issued for approximately 300 homes east of Erringer Road and south of Lost Canyon Drive.

“We have engines doing direct structure protection and getting in front of that fire,” Ventura County Fire Capt. Brian McGrath told KTLA 5 News. “We have hand crews and other engines assigned to flank the fire and get the edges cooled down.”

It did not appear that homes had been damaged or destroyed as of 5 p.m., when crews appeared to have gotten the upper hand on the blaze.

“At 6:15pm on July 3, 2024, the Evacuation Order for residents along Ditch Road and the Evacuation Warning for residents between Erringer and Lost Canyon Drive was LIFTED,” officials said . ” All road closures were lifted, and the Temporary Evacuation Point was deactivated.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The following road closures caused by the fire have also been lifted.

• Reservoir Drive at Avenida Simi
• Reservoir Drive at Ditch Road
• Evelyn Avenue at Township Avenue
• Presidio Drive at Valerie Avenue

Simi Valley and many other Southern California communities are under an excessive heat warning through the July 4th holiday weekend.

Fire crews are expected to remain on the scene to mop up hot spots and monitor the area overnight.

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