Sandy Fire scorches 2,100 acres in Simi Valley

Ventura County fire officials said Wednesday that the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley had burned 2,115 acres, after wind-driven flames that began on May 18 destroyed at least one structure and forced evacuations in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. CAL FIRE’s incident page showed the blaze at 22% containment as of 7:14 p.m. on May 20, up from 15% in a Ventura County Fire Department update earlier that morning. The fire started off Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley, according to CAL FIRE, and the cause remained under investigation. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library closed because of the fire, ABC7 reported. ### How large is the fire, and how much of it is contained? CAL FIRE said the Sandy Fire covered 2,115 acres and was 22% contained as of Wednesday evening. The state incident page listed Ventura County Fire Department as the agency with jurisdiction and said evacuation orders and warnings were still in effect. A 9:12 a.m. PDT incident update from Ventura County Fire, posted on CAL FIRE’s site, put the fire at 1,698 acres and 15% containment earlier Wednesday. That update also said one structure had been destroyed. ### When did the fire start, and what drove its spread? CAL FIRE said the fire started at 10:50 a.m. on May 18 off Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley. KCLU reported the blaze began near Sequoia and Sandy avenues and grew quickly, prompting multiple evacuation orders and warnings. KCLU said flare-ups were reported Tuesday afternoon and evening, but firefighters described overall growth as minimal by late Wednesday. The outlet also reported that no wind watches or warnings were in effect heading into Thursday, with a cooling trend forecast. ### How many firefighters are assigned? Ventura County Fire said 859 personnel were assigned to the fire in its Wednesday morning update. The same update listed 106 engines, two water tenders, eight dozers and 23 hand crews, and said air tankers from across California were flying suppression missions when conditions allowed. KCLU reported more than 750 firefighters were working the fire as of Wednesday, with multiple helicopters and at least four air tankers supporting ground crews. ### Which areas remain under evacuation orders and warnings? CAL FIRE’s incident page said evacuation orders covered multiple Ventura County zones, including BELL-01 through BELL-05, BURR-01, CHES-01, MEIC-01, SASU-01, SASHU-02, and several Simi Valley zones including 27, 28, 32-A, 33-A, 34 and 35. The same page listed warnings for additional Ventura County, Simi Valley and Los Angeles County zones. CAL FIRE said an overnight evacuation shelter was open at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley. Small animal shelters were open at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter and Camarillo Animal Shelter, while livestock could be taken to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. ### What closures have the fire caused? ABC7 reported that the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library closed because of the Sandy Fire. CAL FIRE’s incident page also listed road closures including Bell Canyon Road, Katherine Road at the railroad tracks, Clear Springs Road, Oak Knolls Road, Crinklaw Lane and parts of Santa Susana Pass Road. KCLU reported all Simi Valley Unified School District schools and campuses would remain closed through the week and over the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, with students expected to return on Tuesday, May 26. ### Where can residents check the next update? CAL FIRE said the Sandy Fire incident page would continue to carry updates as they become available. Ventura County Fire listed an incident information hotline at 805-465-6650, while Ventura County emergency officials maintained evacuation-zone information and shelter details for residents in affected areas.