Evacuation order issued in Simi Valley due to rapidly spreading wildfire – NBC Los Angeles

An evacuation order has been issued in Simi Valley, where two separate brush fires were reported Wednesday afternoon.

The Sharp Fire, which was first reported on Sharp Road near Ditch Road, has burned at least 43 acres and some 200 firefighters were working to control the flames amid an excessive heat warning.

As the second alarm fire is breaking out near properties including a hospital, residents of Ditch Road have been ordered to evacuate.

Authorities have set up a temporary evacuation center at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center.

“It’s scary to be that close,” said Joe Lehrin, a Simi Valley neighbor, adding that he called 911 as soon as he spotted flames near his property. “I tried to pull hoses. My neighbor and I did what we could before the fire department got there.”

Other neighbors also said they noticed the fire because of the smoke.

“There's nothing but dry brush up there,” neighbor Greg McAteer said of the area where the fire was raging.

Another group of firefighters was sent to another fire a few miles from the Sharp fire.

The so-called Sequoia Fire at Sequoia and Aspen streets was smaller in size with less vegetation while burning at least 1 acre without posing a threat to structures in the area.

Authorities said firefighters had extinguished the flames of the Sequoia fire by 3:40 p.m. Wednesday.