Sharp fire blackens acres and spurs evacuations in Simi Valley
A brush fire that broke out in northern Simi Valley on Wednesday afternoon threatened homes amid a sweltering heat wave that’s expected to stretch on for several more days.
About 200 firefighters were battling the Sharp fire, which was reported at 1:47 p.m. in the hills off Sharp Road near Ditch Road, said Andrew Dowd, public information officer with the Ventura County Fire Department. One firefighter was hospitalized Wednesday with minor heat-related injuries, Dowd said.
The fire, mapped at 133 acres, was spreading at a moderate rate as it burned through grass and medium to light brush, he said.
Homes along Ditch Road were ordered to evacuate, and a temporary evacuation point was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Center.
Area residents are advised to check VC Emergency.com for the latest evacuation information.
As California braces for a heat wave expected to last through next week, several wildfires have ignited under critical fire conditions, forcing evacuations.
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