Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate on Monday as a wind-driven wildfire threatened suburban neighborhoods in Southern California. The Sandy Fire ignited around 10 a.m. in the hills above Simi Valley, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Fire Spread and Damage
By mid-afternoon, the blaze had consumed more than 500 acres of dry brush and damaged at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. Firefighting aircraft conducted water drops as smoke shrouded the city of over 125,000 people.
Fire department spokesperson Scott Dettorre noted that morning gusts topping 30 mph had subsided later in the day. "As the sun sets, those winds will calm down even more," Dettorre said.
Evacuations and Closures
Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley. Dettorre could not specify the exact number of people ordered to leave. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, perched on a hillside a few miles away, announced it would be closed for the day due to the fire.
The cause of the Sandy Fire is under investigation.
Separate Blaze on Santa Rosa Island
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 15-square-mile blaze on Santa Rosa Island, the second-largest of the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast. That fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees. Santa Rosa Island, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks, and elephant seals.
