Vehicle fire sparks blaze along Highway 118 in Simi Valley; freeway lanes closed
A truck that went over an embankment on Highway 118 sparked a brush fire Friday morning, quickly sending flames shooting into a Simi Valley hillside.
Two westbound lanes of the freeway from Rocky Peak Road to Kuehner Drive were closed as firefighters battled the fire, according to the California Highway Patrol. A SigAlert has been issued.
Heavy smoke blanketed the area as firefighters worked to control the fast-moving blaze. At least three helicopters dropped water onto the flames.
The fire started about 5:47 a.m. after a truck crashed through guardrail along the freeway and fell 200 feet down the embankment, according to the CHP.
TV footage showed a helicopter hoisting a firefighter near the crash to check on the driver’s condition.
By 7:30 a.m., the driver was pulled from the wreckage of the crash and hoisted by a helicopter to safety. It is unknown if the driver was injured.
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.