Simi Valley Brush Fire Backs Up 118 Freeway

SIMI VALLEY, CA — Firefighters mounted an aggressive battle to stop a small brush fire burning along the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway in Simi Valley Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze backed up the eastbound lanes for miles as the afternoon rush hour approached. The fire also shut down Santa Susana Pass Road, leaving commuters few alternatives. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.

As of 4:20 p.m., Los Angeles County and City firefighters gained the upper hand on the blaze. Helicopters were called in to conduct water drops from above.