SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire dubbed the Sandy Fire broke out in Simi Valley on Monday.
AIR7 spotted at least one property damaged by flames.
The blaze spread quickly in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
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- May 18, 2026, 10:49 PM PDT
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Map of Sandy Fire evacuation orders, warnings
The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley triggered evacuation orders and warnings for several zones in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Details on Evacuation orders and warnings here.
The following zones are under an evacuation order:
- Simi Valley 32
- Simi Valley 33
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
- MEIC-01
- BURR-01
- BELL-01
- BELL-02
- BELL-04
- BELL-05
- CHES-01
- SASU-01
- SASU-02
The following zones are under an evacuation warning:
- Simi Valley 31
- TOAK-06
- TOAK-07
- BELL-03
- BOXC-02
- BOXC-03
Los Angeles County:
- 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
Meanwhile, a temporary evacuation point is open at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, located at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue. A large animal shelter is open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 E Harbor Blvd.
Crews making progress, monitoring hotspots
Fire crews continued monitoring hotspots Tuesday morning in Simi Valley - and progress is being made.
As the sun rose, Los Angeles County fire crews kept a close watch on smoldering areas beneath the charred remains of a home on Trickling Brook Court.
"The poor guy was standing out in front watching his house burn down," Simi Valley resident Ron Wechsler told Eyewitness News.
"You couldn't stand here like we're standing here," he added. "The wind would blow you right off your feet. By the time we saw the fire, the fire was already on this hillside over here."
More than 750 firefighters from local and state agencies are working to contain the fire, battling it from both the ground and the air.
"We had water-dropping helicopters with night vision capabilities overnight and we will continue to utilize those assets," said Andrew Dowd, a public information officer with Ventura County Fire.
Firefighters took advantage of improved weather conditions to strengthen containment lines and target active areas of the fire. However, officials cautioned that conditions remain unpredictable.
"This is a dynamic fire. We are expecting changes in the weather. We want to be prepared for it," Dowd said.
The fire has destroyed one home in the community, and residents remain on high alert as crews continue working.
Sandy Fire now 5% contained
Firefighters worked through the night to get control over the Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley, and it is now 5% contained.
It has burned nearly 1,4000 acres. Crews have made progress against the flames, but sweeping evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.
More winds on tap for Simi Valley as Sandy Fire smolders
More winds are expected across the region Tuesday as the Sandy Fire continues to smolder in the Simi Valley area, keeping elevated fire danger in the mix.
The light Santa Ana winds out of the northeast will stick around for the next few hours, with gusts up to 20 mph possible. They are expected to shift in direction later this afternoon but temperatures will be warming up.
Here's the latest forecast for the area as the firefight continues.
Crews work to gain control ahead of shifting winds
The fire calmed down overnight, but conditions could change as winds are expected to pick up Tuesday morning.
Overnight, firefighters target hot spots with water drops as they to build containment lines. Calmer winds and increased humidity levels has dampened the fire activity, but crews are still monitoring shifting winds.
Meanwhile, smoke from the smoldering fire is raising air quality concerns. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says the air quality may reach unhealthy levels in places like Calabasas, Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
Sandy Fire is 3rd largest wildfire currently burning in CA
The wind-fueled Sandy Fire in Simi Valley has burned 1,386 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in California so far this season.
It follows only the Santa Rosa Island and River fires in San Barbara and Kern counties. The destructive blaze adds to a grim statewide total.
Across California this year, crews have already battled more than 1,400 wildfires that have scorched over 32,000 acres and destroyed seven structures.
The Sandy Fire remains 0% contained.
Simi Valley Unified School District schools will be closed Tuesday
All Simi Valley Unified School District schools will be closed to students on Tuesday due to the fire, the district said. The closure includes after-school programs and activities.
Only key leadership staff will be contacted to work for varied assignments.
The district said it will evaluate the fire's status Tuesday afternoon and decide if the school can reopen Wednesday.
San Fernando Valley residents see smoke as Sandy Fire burns in Simi Valley
Residents in the San Fernando Valley are seeing smoke on Monday night as crews continue to battle the Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley.
While the fire is burning in Ventura County, evacuation warnings have been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth as the wind drives the flames and smoke toward the valley.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement saying, "At this time, we do not expect the wildfire to reach the City of Los Angeles."
"Out of an abundance of caution, LAFD has prepositioned resources in the San Fernando Valley and an Evacuation Warning has been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth. Under an Evacuation Warning, residents are not required to leave immediately but are encouraged to be alert and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen and an Evacuation Order is issued," the statement continued. "Residents in the San Fernando Valley may experience smoke this evening as it is carried in from the Sandy Fire."
Sandy Fire grows to more than 1,300 acres as evacuation orders, warnings expand
The Sandy Fire has grown to more than 1,300 acres as evacuation orders and warnings have expanded.
Impacted residents can find more details on Cal Fire's website.
The following zones are under an evacuation order:
- Simi Valley 32
- Simi Valley 33
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
- MEIC-01
- BURR-01
- BELL-01
- BELL-02
- BELL-04
- BELL-05
- CHES-01
- SASU-01
- SASU-02
The following zones are under an evacuation warning:
- Simi Valley 31
- TOAK-06
- TOAK-07
- BELL-03
- BOXC-02
- BOX-03
Los Angeles County:
- WTH-U045
- HID-C501
- AGO-C304
- CAL-C401
- LAC-WOOLSEY
- LAC-LAKEMANOR
- CSB-U024
- MTV-U048
- LFD-U405
- LFD-0469
- LFD-0343
- LFD-0295
- LFD-0471
AIR7 video shows house destroyed in Simi Valley Sandy Fire
AIR7 video shows an aerial view of the one property destroyed by the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on Monday.
The house that was destroyed is at the top of the cul-de-sac. Neighbors told Eyewitness News they began to notice something was wrong around 10 a.m. They said the wind was so strong, it could push you over.
The fire came up the hillside, destroying the first house at the top of the cul-de-sac on Trickling Brook Court.
Firefighters were able to contain the flames to one structure.
Still, the blaze rages on as winds change directions. Thousands of residents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are under evacuation warnings and orders.
Some neighbors stick around to protect Simi Valley homes despite evacuation orders, warnings
At least one home has burned and thousands of people are under evacuation orders and warnings as the Sandy Fire burns in Simi Valley.
When the Sandy Fire began to rip through the Simi Valley brush and headed toward homes, many residents headed to their garden hoses.
"The fire's in back of us. It's coming down the hill, and it's going to come back up. There's a couple firefighters up on the hill with some big hoses, should we get flare-up, so we're hoping to keep the flames from coming up the mountain," said Brent Richter.
Unfortunately, one home fell victim to the fire. Firefighters were unable to save the house on Trickling Brook Court.
Neighbors say the fast-moving flames snuck up on them.
"I was inside cleaning the house, and I opened the slider to take trash outside, and ashes and... it just came very fast. It's faster than usual," another neighbor told Eyewitness News.
Thousands of residents are under evacuation orders, but not everyone is willing to leave.
The part of Simi Valley impacted is a big equestrian community, with stables in most backyards.
Alex Hoffmaster sped home from work to evacuate his two horses but decided to stick around to keep an eye on the fire.
"This was an evacuation area, but I felt safe enough to stay. I just wanted to kind of see how bad it was and protect the house at all costs, then evacuate at the last possible minute," Hoffmaster said.
Firefighters say the direction of the wind has changed, and that's good for the homes on Rocking Horse Drive. By 6 p.m., the wind was blowing toward the San Fernando Valley.
Evacuation warning zones for Sandy Fire expand to parts of LA County
Evacuation orders and warnings for the Sandy Fire have been expanded as crews continue to battle the fast-moving blaze in Simi Valley.
Parts of Los Angeles County are now included in the evacuation warning zones.
Impacted residents can find more details on Cal Fire's website.
The following zones are under an evacuation order:
- Simi Valley 32
- Simi Valley 33
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
- MEIC-01
- BURR-01
- BELL-01
- BELL-02
- BELL-04
- BELL-05
- CHES-01
The following zones are under an evacuation warning:
- Simi Valley 31
- TOAK-06
- TOAK-07
- BELL-03
Los Angeles County:
- WTH-U045
- HID-C501
- AGO-C304
- CAL-C401
- LAC-WOOLSEY
- LAC-LAKEMANOR
- CSB-U024
- MTV-U048
Sandy Fire grows to 836 acres in Simi Valley
The Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley has expanded to 836 acres and is 0% contained, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
Fire officials noted that the winds have shifted 180 degrees.
The brush fire is threatening structures, with evacuation warnings and orders in place for nearby residents.
Approximately 550 firefighters are at the scene, the department said.
Small fire in Angeles National Forest triggers evacuation warning
A small fire ignited in the Angeles National Forest on Monday, triggering an evacuation warning near the Burro Peak area.
The blaze charred approximately 30 acres with 0% containment.
Cal Fire officials said the fire is burning at a moderate rate of speed.
Sandy Fire expands to 720 acres, threatens structures
The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley increased to 720 acres Monday afternoon.
The Ventura County Fire Department said the fire is still threatening structures, and evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
Approximately 500 firefighters are assigned to battle the blaze, and firefighting aircraft are continuing to douse flames with retardant and water to support crews on the ground.
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