First brush fire of season burns six acres near Mulholland Play

The first fire of the year in the Santa Monica Mountains burned about 10 acres yesterday.

The fire broke out in the grass north of Mulholland Highway and west of Las Virgenes Road. It does not appear to have been triggered by a power line. It may have been caused by some other human activity — maybe even brush clearance. No official cause has been given.

It burned about 5.6 acres.

Several helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft were called out, but they were sent home fairly quickly. The fire moved slowly up a hill in gentle winds and high humidity. Ground crews were able to etch in a fire line and stop the forward progress of the fire within 90 minutes. Full control was established by midday.

This was the first major fire in the Santa Monica Mountains of the summer.