Crews hope to contain Simi Valley brush fire by evening

A brush fire burning near the Santa Susana pass in the Simi Valley area was 20% contained Thursday morning, but crews will still have to contend with strong winds and dry conditions in order to finish putting out the flames.

The fire broke out Thursday evening near Lilac Lane and Santa Susana Pass Road, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department were called to help at around 10:40 p.m., but they have since returned, said Katherine Main of the department.

The Sheriff’s Department said full containment of the fire is expected by 6 p.m. Thursday and that some road closures were still in effect including: Santa Susana Pass Road between Box Canyon and Rocky Peak roads and the Rocky Peak Road exits from the 118 Freeway are closed in both directions.

The blaze could be seen from the 118 Freeway.

Meanwhile, a red flag warning remains in effect until at least 6 p.m. Thursday for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say moderate to strong Santa Ana winds will continue across the mountains as well as nearby coast and valley areas. Humidity will also be relatively low.

“If fire ignition occurs … There would be the potential for rapid wildfire spread that could threaten life and property,” the National Weather Service said on the red flag alert.

A wind advisory is also in effect for much of L.A. and Ventura counties through Thursday afternoon as gusty northeast winds are forecast.

The fire has burned at least eight acres.

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