Santa Ana Winds Driving Brush Fire in Simi Valley

Southern California firefighters are working to mop up a 10-acre brush fire that was rapidly spread by gusty Santa Ana winds Christmas night.

Ventura County authorities say the blaze was reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday near State Route 118 in the Santa Susana Pass, northwest of Los Angeles.

Fire officials say the blaze is only smoldering early Thursday and it’s 80 percent contained.

Three hundred firefighters are dousing hotspots and trying to finish carving containment lines.

No homes are immediately threatened.

Thursday’s forecast, however, calls for dry weather and more Santa Ana winds possibly gusting to 40 mph.

County fire Capt. Mike Lindbery says if the wind kicks up, there’s concern it could sweep embers into nearby areas containing hundreds of homes and ranches.

Ventura County Sheriff said all road closures have been lifted.