[dpwiener]

The wind is now blowing in the Simi Valley canyons at 25-35 mph

When I woke up an hour ago it was pretty calm in the middle of Simi Valley, but starting just a few minutes ago the winds have started to really pick up (this is about the time of morning that it normally happens). That's obviously not good news.

The big, big fear was that the fire would jump to the south of the 118 freeway. Now that it's happened they are desperately trying to control the outbreak. I can hear a constant parade of helicopters. If the winds are able to spread the fire into the huge open spaces which are south of Simi Valley, the fire can then race all the way over to the populated areas along the 101 freeway as well as into expensive new communities along the western edge of the San Fernando Valley.

It looks like I'll be staying home today. There's no good way to get out of Simi Valley and into Woodland Hills where I work.

[PhiKapMom]

Stay safe! They have been reporting for sometime now there is no good way in or out of the Simi Valley. The choppers seem to be making a difference as the flames seem to be a lot less then they were even 15 minutes ago. These firefighters have been working 72 with only small breaks.

Looks like they are going to be able to save this neighborhood thanks to the chappers. Came down right to the backyards of the homes. These pictures are unbelieveable with the choppers.

[PhiKapMom]

Without these choppers, this fire would be totally out of control in the Simi Valley. They have a lot of choppers now dropping.