**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SIMI VALLEY, CA – A significant vegetation fire erupted in the Simi Valley area on Tuesday afternoon, prompting immediate evacuations and a large-scale emergency response.

What: A fast-moving brush fire, currently designated as the “Peak Fire,” has consumed an estimated 150 acres of dry brush and grassland. The fire is generating heavy smoke and posing an immediate threat to structures in the foothill communities.

Who: The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is leading the incident command, with assistance from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Simi Valley Police Department. A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for approximately 200 homes along the 4500 block of Peak Road and adjacent cul-de-sacs.

Where: The fire is burning in the hills near the intersection of Peak Road and Royal Avenue, in the northeastern section of Simi Valley, close to the boundary of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory.

When: The blaze was first reported at approximately 2:17 PM Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday. Containment is currently at 0 percent, with fire crews engaging in a direct attack from the ground and air.

Why: The official cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire investigators, though officials have noted that extreme drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds—gusting up to 40 miles per hour—are contributing to the rapid rate of spread.

Key Developments:

• Evacuation centers have been established at the Simi Valley Senior Center.
• Air quality advisories are in effect for the entire Simi Valley region.
• All local schools in the affected zone have been placed on lockdown, with students held until parents can arrive.

Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid the area, and sign up for VC Emergency alerts. Further updates are expected hourly.