Brush fire sparked off Highway 118 near Kuehner Drive in Simi Valley

Ventura County firefighters responded to a half-acre brush fire near Highway 118 in Simi Valley on Friday night.

The fire was reported at 7:46 p.m. in the area of the westbound off-ramp at Kuehner Drive and early reports indicated it was started by a flare or firework. 

Crews arriving on scene found the fire burning approximately a half-acre in size in medium fuel along a rocky outcrop. Forward progress of the fire was stopped at 8:19 p.m.

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Firefighters from the Los Angeles City Fire Department also responded to the incident to assist Ventura County firefighters but were later released.

California Highway Patrol closed the westbound Kuehner Drive exit as authorities fought the blaze.

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.