SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA / Content Syndication Services / — More than 17,000 people remained under evacuation orders in Southern California after the Sandy Fire burned through dry hills above Simi Valley, threatening neighborhoods in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles and prompting a large firefighting response across rugged terrain.
The wildfire was reported Monday morning near Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley and expanded rapidly as winds pushed flames through brush-covered canyons near residential areas. By Tuesday evening, the fire had burned 1,698 acres and was 5 percent contained, according to incident information reported by state fire officials.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for multiple zones in and around Simi Valley, warning residents in affected areas to leave because of an immediate threat to life. The orders applied to several neighborhoods on the city’s southern side, while additional evacuation warnings remained in place for nearby areas exposed to smoke, shifting winds and fire activity.
Evacuations remain in place
The Sandy Fire destroyed at least one home as aircraft dropped water and retardant on ridgelines above the city. Fire crews worked along steep slopes and canyon roads, with engines, hand crews, helicopters and air tankers assigned to protect structures and strengthen containment lines where terrain allowed access.
CAL FIRE listed the cause as under investigation, and no official determination had been released. Ventura County Fire Department personnel were among hundreds of firefighters assigned to the incident as crews took advantage of calmer overnight conditions after gusts that had topped 30 mph helped drive the initial spread.
Crews target steep terrain
Simi Valley, a city of more than 120,000 residents about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, sits along the edge of open hillsides where dry vegetation can carry flames quickly during wind events. Smoke from the fire was visible across parts of the region, and local emergency notices directed residents to follow evacuation zone updates rather than rely on visual conditions near their homes.
The Sandy Fire burned as firefighters also responded to other California wildfires, including a larger blaze on Santa Rosa Island that forced the evacuation of National Park Service employees. Officials continued to manage the Simi Valley evacuations as crews worked to contain hotspots, secure neighborhoods and assess damage in areas affected by the Southern California wildfire.