The Cottonwood Fire broke out Thursday afternoon in Simi Valley, sending flames and smoke across the hillsides, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) confirmed. The blaze was first reported around 1 p.m. PDT near Cottonwood Drive and quickly spread to about 20 acres of dry grass and brush.
Crews Battle Flames by Air and Ground
#CottonwoodIncident VCFD firefighters are responding to a reported brush fire in Simi Valley, north of Cottonwood Drive. Smoke and flames are visible on the Alert California camera. Initial on-scene reports estimate the fire at approximately 5 acres, burning uphill with a… pic.twitter.com/nCSewxC83U
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) September 5, 2025
VCFD said 79 firefighters and 30 engines were on the scene to fight the Cottonwood Fire. Firehawk helicopters, heavy-lift choppers, and fixed-wing tankers dropped water and Phos-Chek fire retardant.
Extra help came from Angeles National Forest’s AirAttack 52 and a Type 1 Airtanker MD87, diverted from another fire.
“Our crews are working aggressively to box the fire in steep terrain,” Ventura County Fire officials posted on X.
No Evacuations, Residents Stay Alert
By Thursday evening, officials said no homes were threatened and no evacuation orders were in place. Crews focused on containment lines while aircraft slowed the fire’s spread.
The rugged hills made ground access difficult, but aerial drops helped limit the flames. No injuries or road closures have been reported.
Residents near Ditch Road, where the Sharp Fire burned 133 acres last year, stayed on alert, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.
Cottonwood Fire Adds to California’s Dangerous Season
Simi Valley, home to about 126,000 residents, has faced several fire emergencies in recent years. In July 2024, the Sharp Fire threatened 60 homes, while a separate fireworks-related blaze caused fatalities, NBC Los Angeles reported.
The Cottonwood Fire comes after a summer of low rainfall—just 70% of normal levels—leaving brush extremely dry. Regional fires like the Gifford Fire, which scorched over 131,000 acres, highlight the intensity of this fire season.
Heat Warning Raises Risk
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Ventura County through September 6, warning of high fire danger.
The Ventura County Fire Department confirmed firefighting would continue overnight. “Air support remains critical to holding the line,” officials said.
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