Fire crews are battling a fast-moving brush fire that is threatening homes in Simi Valley Wednesday afternoon.
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 burned approximately 50 acres of dry brush as of 3:30 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.
Sky5 footage showed air tankers dropping retardant along the western flank of the fire, and the flames appeared to be moving northward and away from homes.
“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.”
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.
It did not appear that homes had been damaged or destroyed as of 3 p.m.
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 through the July 4th holiday weekend.
This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates.