Brush Fire Near Reagan Library Contained By Ventura County Fire Crews, No Structures Threatened

A brush fire broke out near the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Ventura County, on April 27, 2026.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and aggressively responded to the fire, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) said in a social media post.

The forward progress of the blaze was contained at around 5 to 7 acres. The fire was tackled both on air as well as from air, the fire department said.

VCFD deployed its Firehawk helicopter to contain the fire and prevent further spread.

Authorities confirmed that the blaze did not threaten any structures and no evacuation orders were issued for residents.

Staff at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library decided to self evacuate as a precaution, VCFD clarified on X.

The library did not sustain any damage, KTLA5 reported. Presidential Drive, the main road around the library, was closed briefly due to the fire, the report added.

Authorities did not share details on the cause of the fire.

VCFD shared videos of a Firehawk helicopter dispersing fire retardants at the scene of the fire.

Fire crews remained on scene working to secure the area and ensure all lingering hotspots were doused.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is the burial site of the former president and his wife, Nancy Reagan. The library has collections from the Reagan administration, documents during his term as California’s governor, presidential campaign materials, and privately donated personal collections.

The campus also has a museum that houses numerous exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office, a real fragment of the Berlin Wall, and interactive displays highlighting the life of President Reagan.

Notably, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library hosted a Wildfire Safety Day in June 2025 to boost fire preparedness among the community.

The event included a VCFD Firehawk helicopter demonstrating a water drop, followed by a landing on the library’s South Lawn.

Participants were encouraged to interact with the helicopter crews after landing.

About the Firehawk Helicopter

The VCFD added two Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters to its fleet in May 2021.

Before their conversion, the aircraft earlier operated as Blackhawk helicopters and were used by the Army National Guard.

The aircraft are twin-engine, four-blade, heavy-lift helicopters with a flight crew of one pilot and two crew chiefs.

The two helicopters are equipped with a 1,000-gallon belly tank that can drop water on fires, a rescue hoist, and night vision technology.

The larger cabin space can carry up to 11 firefighters and their gear, helping the fire department reach more crews and equipment in less time.

Firehawks can deliver nearly three times the amount of water in a single drop compared to the unit’s legacy rotorcraft.