Sandy Fire grows to 720 acres

Ventura County firefighters said on May 18 that the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley had grown to 720 acres and was threatening structures as crews expanded air and ground operations. ABC7 reported that evacuation orders and warnings remained in place as about 500 firefighters worked the blaze and aircraft dropped retardant and water on the fire line. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library closed the same day, according to the library and ABC7. By late May 21, CAL FIRE listed the fire at 2,141 acres and 40% containment, with evacuation orders and warnings still in effect in parts of Ventura County. ### How did the fire reach the point where the library shut down? ABC7 reported that the Sandy Fire reached 720 acres by 2:32 p.m. Pacific on Monday, May 18, after starting that morning in the hills above Simi Valley. Ventura County Fire told ABC7 the blaze was still threatening structures at that point, and evacuation orders and warnings remained active. (abc7.com) The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library said it closed its doors on May 18 as the fire burned nearby. ABC7 reported, citing the library’s chief of staff, that the library was not in the path of the fire and that road closures in the area prompted the shutdown. ### What was happening on the ground as the fire expanded? (abc7.com) Ventura County Fire had about 500 firefighters assigned when the fire was reported at 720 acres, ABC7 said. Firefighting aircraft were continuing drops to support crews on the ground, according to that report. Simi Valley police told ABC7 that a caller reported brush clearing with a tractor shortly before 10:30 a.m. on May 18 and said the tractor struck a rock that ignited a fire. (abc7.com) ABC7 said police were investigating that report while Ventura County Fire spokesperson Andy Van Sciver said crews expected weather to improve conditions later in the day. (abc7.com) ### Which areas were under evacuation orders and where could evacuees go? ABC7 said evacuation orders and warnings covered multiple zones in Ventura and Los Angeles counties as the fire spread. A temporary evacuation point was opened at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley, while animal shelters were opened at the Ventura County Fairgrounds and the Simi Valley Animal Shelter. (abc7.com) CAL FIRE’s incident page said that, as of the evening of May 21, evacuation orders remained in effect for zones including BURR-01A, MEIC-01, SIMI-32A, SIMI-34B and SIMI-35. The same page listed warnings for additional Ventura County zones and said Bell Canyon Road, Clear Springs Road, Oak Knolls Road, Crinklaw Lane and parts of Santa Susana Pass Road were closed. (abc7.com) ### How much damage and disruption had been confirmed by Thursday? KCLU reported early May 22 that one home had been destroyed in the Sandy Fire and that all Simi Valley School District schools and campuses would remain closed through the week and the Memorial Day holiday on May 25. The district expected students to return on Tuesday, May 26, KCLU said. (fire.ca.gov) ABC7’s live coverage, updated May 21, said the fire had scorched more than 2,100 acres, destroyed at least one home and left more than 17,000 people under evacuation orders. ### Where does the fire stand now? CAL FIRE said the Sandy Fire was 2,141 acres and 40% contained as of 9:34 p.m. on May 21. (kclu.org) The agency said the fire started at 10:50 a.m. on May 18 off Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley, and listed the cause as under investigation. KCLU reported that crews on Thursday were mopping up hot spots, reducing unburned brush near communities and working toward fuller containment as a cooling trend arrived and no wind watches or warnings were in effect. (abc7.com) CAL FIRE said updated evacuation information was available through Ventura County emergency channels. (kclu.org) (fire.ca.gov)