HOT WORK—Ventura County Firefighter Ryan Flitt lights a backfire, left, to impede the progress of a hillside blaze that struck Simi Valley last Friday at lunchtime. At right, Andrew Gudaz stands by with a fire hose ready to back up his fellow firefighters. About 360 acres of brush were charred in the afternoon fire which burned just a few yards away from structures and was clearly visible to thousands of residents. Thanks to the work of the fast-acting Fire Department, no buildings were damaged and no one was hurt.

Photos by BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers