Sandy Fire in Simi Valley 30% contained as nearly 44,000 remain evacuated
Sandy Fire extends past 2,100 acres; 22% contained
The Sandy Fire extended past 2,100 acres in the Simi Valley area.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - Nearly 44,000 residents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties remain under evacuation orders after the wind-driven Sandy Fire erupted late Monday morning.
What we know:
Ventura County Fire officials said the Sandy Fire was reported around 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, near Sycamore Park.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sandy Fire in Simi Valley destroys home, forces thousands to evacuate
Residents who called 911 to report the blaze said they initially thought it was a barbecue.
Hear from the residents who reported the Simi Valley fire
FOX 11's Christina Gonzalez spoke to the two people who first called 911 to report what became the Sandy Fire.
During the initial stages of the fire, it erupted from nearly 200 to 720 acres as crews battled the flames in challenging conditions that included strong winds, low humidity levels and warm temperatures.
As of Thursday morning, the fire had burned 2,115 acres and was 30% contained. Crews remain focused on Runkle Canyon as the firefight continues.
Authorities confirmed one home was destroyed by the flames, with neighbors and officials saying the home belonged to a retired couple who lived there for decades.
"Despite the incredible work that the firefighters did to protect homes in this neighborhood, we really feel for the residents that lost everything here," a Ventura County Fire spokesperson said.
Man reacts to neighbor losing home in Simin Valley fire
A Simi Valley resident provided an emotional interview after learning his neighbors lost their home in the Sandy Fire.
EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS
(Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services)
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following zones:
- Santa Susana 01
- Santa Susana 02
- Bell Canyon 01
- Bell Canyon 02
- Bell Canyon 03
- Bell Canyon 04
- Bell Canyon 05
- Cheseboro 01
- Burro Flats 01
- Meier Canyon 01
- Simi Valley 27
- Simi Valley 28
- Simi Valley 32A
- Simi Valley 33
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the following zones:
- Box Canyon 02
- Box Canyon 03
- Simi Valley 32-C
- Simi Valley 33-B
Los Angeles County
- AGO-C304
- CAL-C401
- CSB-U024
- HID-C501
- LAC-LAKEMANOR
- LAC-WOODLSEY
- LFD-0295
- LFD-0343
- LFD-0405
- LFD-0469
- LFD-0471
- MTV-U048
- WTH-U045
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS.
EVACUATION ZONES
An emergency shelter for overnight stays has been established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.
Small animal shelters are open at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter and Camarillo Animal Shelter.
For large animals, residents are encouraged to contact Ventura County Animal Services at 805-388-4341.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
All schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District remain through the Memorial Day holiday, including all school programs and activities.
ROAD CLOSURES
- Bell Canyon Road is closed in both directions from Overland Drive
- Katherine Road at railroad tracks
- Clear Springs Road from Santa Susana Pass Road to Katherine Road
- Oak Knolls Road at Southern Oaks Avenue
- Crinklaw Lane
- Santa Susana Pass Road at railroad tracks
- Santa Susana Pass Road at Box Canyon Road
Newsom sends additional resources to Simi Valley
Dig deeper:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has secured assistance from FEMA.
"California is mobilizing resources to support Ventura County communities threatened by the Sandy Fire. This activation will ensure responders have the support needed to continue protecting lives and homes as dangerous fire conditions persist. We are deeply grateful to the crews on the front lines and urge Californians in impacted areas to follow guidance from local officials," an official statement read.
What we don't know:
The official cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Source: This story was written with information from the Ventura County Fire Department.