LOS ANGELES, May 19 — A fast-moving brush fire northwest of Los Angeles forced thousands of people to evacuate Monday as strong winds pushed flames through dry hillsides near Simi Valley, threatening homes and sending heavy smoke over nearby neighborhoods.
The blaze, named the Sandy Fire, broke out late Monday morning in Ventura County, about 30 to 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. By Monday evening, it had grown to 1,364 acres and was 0% contained, according to CAL FIRE.
Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for parts of Simi Valley and nearby communities, including areas around Bell Canyon and Box Canyon. The Guardian reported that mandatory evacuation orders covered more than 20,000 residents.
Fire crews attacked the flames from the ground and air as helicopters dropped water over ridgelines and neighborhoods. CAL FIRE said around 500 firefighters were on scene during the response. At least one home was destroyed, though officials reported no injuries in the latest available updates.
The fire moved quickly because of dry brush and gusty winds. The Associated Press reported wind gusts above 30 mph, while the San Francisco Chronicle said Santa Ana winds in the area reached up to 50 mph in some places.
The emergency also disrupted daily life across Simi Valley. Schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District were closed Tuesday, and shelters were opened for evacuees, including facilities for small and large animals. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, located near the fire area, also closed because of the threat.
For residents, the fire arrived with little warning. Smoke thickened over the valley as people packed cars, gathered pets and left neighborhoods under evacuation orders. Some homeowners tried to wet down their properties as flames moved closer, but officials urged people not to wait once evacuation notices were issued.
The cause of the Sandy Fire remains under investigation. Fire officials warned that changing winds could continue to make conditions dangerous, especially in areas where brush has dried out after weeks of warmer weather.
The Sandy Fire is one of several wildfires burning in California. Crews were also dealing with a much larger fire on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park, where National Park Service employees were evacuated.
Authorities said firefighters would continue working through the night to protect homes and strengthen containment lines. For now, thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders or warnings, waiting to hear when it will be safe to return.
