Sandy Fire in Simi Valley destroys home, forces thousands to evacuate
Sandy Fire explodes to 1,300+ acres, 0% contained
The wind-driven fire comes amid persistent critical fire weather in Southern California.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - At least one property was damaged and mandatory evacuation orders were issued after a wildfire erupted in Simi Valley late Monday morning.
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What we know:
Officials with the Ventura County Fire Department said the fire was first reported in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, near Sycamore Park, around 10:30 a.m.
Tankers and mutual aid were immediately requested, with an estimated 200 fire personnel at the scene.
At last check, the fire had reached 2,115 acres with 22% containment.
EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS
(Ventura County Emergency Information)
FOX 11's Matthew Seedorff reports nearly 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate at one point on Monday.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following zones:
- Santa Susana 02
- Santa Susana 01
- 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 32A remains under Evacuation Order
- Simi Valley 33A remains under Evacuation Order
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
Evacuation warnings were issued for the following Ventura County zones:
- BOXC-02
- BOXC-03
The following parts of Los Angeles County are under evacuation warnings:
- WTH-U045
- HID-C501
- AGO-C304
- CAL-C401
- LAC-WOOLSEY
- LAC-LAKEMANOR
- CSB-U024
- MTV-U048
- LFD-0405
- LFD-0469
- LFD-0343
- LFD-0295
- LFD-0471
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS.
Ventura County fire officials update on Sandy Fire
Thousands remain under evacuation orders in Ventura County due to the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley, which has burned 1,300+ acres since it broke out Monday morning.
EVACUATION CENTERS
- A temporary evacuation center is now open at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.
- Large animals can be taken to the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
- Those with small animals can go to the Simi Valley Animal Shelter.
Agoura Hills officials said they are monitoring the Sandy Fire. There is no immediate threat to the Agoura Hills community.
Residents fight to save homes
Images from SkyFOX and ground crews showed residents fighting to save their properties with garden hoses.
Simi Valley man aims to protect home with garden hose
Dan Keeler, a Simi Valley resident, stood on his rooftop with a garden hose attempting to save his home from a wildfire.
Simi Valley residents fight to save homes
Simi Valley residents attempted to protect their properties amid an ongoing wildfire in the area.
Fire threatens homes in Simi Valley
Aerial images from SkyFOX showed residents attempting to save their property with a wildfire burning nearby.
Local perspective:
The wind-driven fire comes as crews across Southern California were on alert due to dry conditions, high winds and low humidity levels.
SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Critical fire weather persists in Southern California
In addition, two wildfires broke out in the Antelope Valley over the weekend. They have since been fully contained.
The Source: This story was written with information from the Ventura County Fire Department.