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

Marc Sternfield and Josh DuBose

4 hours ago

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Fire crews were battling a fast-moving brush fire that was threatening homes in Simi Valley Wednesday afternoon, and left at least one firefighter injured.

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 pm, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Officials estimated it had burned approximately 133 acres of dry brush as of 5:25 pm

“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.

Sky5 aerial view of the Sharp Fire threatening structures in Simi Valley, California on July 3, 2024. (KTLA)

An air tanker drops retardant along the lines of the Sharp Fire in Simi Valley, California on July 3, 2024. (KTLA)

Sky5 aerial view of the Sharp Fire in Simi Valley, California on July 3, 2024. (KTLA)

Sky5 aerial view of the Sharp Fire threatening structures in Simi Valley, California on July 3, 2024. (KTLA)

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 pm, when crews appeared to have gotten the upper hand on the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Sharp Fire Road Closures:

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 during the July 4th holiday weekend.

This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates.