Crews Battle Simi Valley Fire With More Wind Expected

A fast-moving brush fire in Southern California's Ventura County prompted evacuation orders for more than 17,000 residents Monday as flames rapidly expanded in steep terrain.

The Sandy Fire, first reported around 10 a.m. in the hills above Simi Valley, quickly grew to more than 2 square miles and was only 5% contained, fire officials said Monday afternoon.

At least one home was destroyed, though additional structure damage assessments were ongoing.

Authorities said more homes remained threatened as the fire pushed east and southeast.

Though the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Santa Ana-style wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph fueled the blaze, causing it to spread quickly through dry brush.

Satellite footage shows the fire as it exploded, spreading smoke for miles.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued across multiple neighborhoods in Simi Valley as well as nearby communities along the Ventura and Los Angeles county line, including parts of Bell Canyon and Box Canyon.

“This is the largest blaze we have had this fire year,” said Andy VanSciver, a public information officer with the Ventura County Fire Department.

He noted that changing wind patterns influenced fire behavior, creating sudden shifts in temperature and humidity in the fire zone.

Fire officials said crews are working with air and ground resources to slow the spread, but steep terrain and strong winds have complicated containment efforts.

Schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District are expected to remain closed Tuesday due to ongoing fire activity and evacuation orders.

Officials warned that fire conditions remain critical as Southern California continues to experience dry vegetation and strong wind events typically associated with peak wildfire season.