Sandy Fire in Simi Valley prompts evacuation orders, warnings

Ventura County officials said Monday evening that the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley had grown to about 2,400 acres and was moving east, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for multiple nearby communities.

CAL FIRE initially reported the brush fire at 10 acres with 0% containment on May 18. By 6:42 p.m., Ventura County Emergency said the fire had expanded sharply and was threatening areas including Simi Valley, Bell Canyon and Box Canyon.

AP reported that thousands of people were ordered to evacuate as the fire threatened homes. NBC Los Angeles and FOX 11 also reported evacuation orders and warnings in parts of Simi Valley as crews worked to slow the blaze.

The incident remained active Monday evening, with officials continuing to monitor the fire’s spread and the evacuation footprint. Additional growth overnight remained a possibility, according to the open questions identified in the reporting.

Current status

The confirmed reporting shows a fast-moving Ventura County brush fire that expanded from an initial 10 acres to roughly 2,400 acres in a matter of hours. Officials had not yet reported any confirmed cause, and questions remained about whether the fire would grow further or damage more structures.