SEE EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS
A fast-moving wildfire known as the Sandy Fire erupted on Monday in Simi Valley, rapidly spreading and threatening neighborhoods.
By late evening, the fire had burned approximately 1,364 acres. The blaze began near the 600 block of Sandy Drive around 10:15 a.m. and was fueled by gusty winds, quickly growing to 180 acres within the first hour.
Evacuation orders were issued for areas including the Bell Canyon community and parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Residents in the Box Canyon area and along the county line near Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Hidden Hills were placed under evacuation warnings. Approximately 37,000 residents were affected by these orders and warnings.
The fire threatened several schools and landmarks, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which closed as a precaution. Crestview Elementary and Mountain View Elementary schools were evacuated, with students relocated to Simi Valley High School. A temporary evacuation point was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, and shelters for small and large animals were set up at local facilities.
Firefighters, including 550 personnel, battled the blaze with ground crews, air support, and dozer teams. The Ventura County Fire Department confirmed that one home was destroyed, and no injuries were reported. The fire remained 0% contained as of the latest updates.
The National Weather Service reported that winds, initially blowing northeast at 10-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, were expected to shift and weaken, potentially aiding firefighting efforts. However, the unpredictable wind changes posed challenges for containment efforts.
For more information on evacuation orders and updates, residents can visit the Ventura County Emergency website.
EVACUATION INFORMATION
A temporary evacuation point is set up at:
Rancho Santa Susana Community Park
5005 Los Angeles Ave
Simi Valley, CA 93063
ANIMAL EVAUCATION CENTERS
Small Animals:
Simi Valley Animal Shelter
670 W. Los Angeles Ave.
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Large Animals:
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 E. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
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