Sharp fire blackens acres in Simi Valley
A brush fire broke out in northern Simi Valley on Wednesday afternoon, threatening a number of homes before fire crews were able to get a handle on the blaze.
About 200 firefighters were battling the Sharp fire amid a sweltering heat wave that was expected to stretch on for several more days.
The fire 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, burned through grass and medium to light brush, he said. Firefighters had boosted containment to 15% by Wednesday night.
About 60 homes along Ditch Road were ordered to evacuate, and a temporary evacuation point was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Center. By about 6:15 p.m., all evacuation orders and warnings had been lifted, and the evacuation point was deactivated.
Authorities asked that the public continue to avoid the area to allow crews to work.
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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