Thousands Evacuate as Wind-Driven Sandy Fire Threatens Simi Valley
On Monday, the Sandy Fire, driven by strong winds, led to evacuation orders affecting thousands in Simi Valley, California. The fire started around 10 a.m. in the hills above Simi Valley, located roughly 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles. By the afternoon, it had burned more than 500 acres of dry vegetation and damaged at least one residence, as reported by the Ventura County Fire Department. Morning winds, which exceeded 30 mph, intensified the fire, but they began to decrease later in the day. Fire department spokesperson Scott Dettorre mentioned that winds would further diminish after sunset. Evacuation orders impacted several neighborhoods in the city, home to over 125,000 residents, while helicopters performed water drops amidst thick smoke. The fire's cause is still under investigation.
Key facts
- The Sandy Fire was reported at around 10 a.m. on Monday.
- The fire is located in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
- By mid-afternoon, the fire had consumed more than 500 acres of dry brush.
- At least one home was damaged by the fire.
- Morning wind gusts topped 30 mph but were subsiding later in the day.
- Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley.
- Simi Valley has a population of more than 125,000 people.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Entities
Institutions
- Ventura County Fire Department
Locations
- Simi Valley
- Los Angeles
- Southern California
- United States
- California