Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate on Monday as a wind-driven wildfire threatened suburban communities in Southern California. The blaze, dubbed the Sandy Fire, was first reported around 10 a.m. in the hills above Simi Valley, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
Rapid Spread and Damage
By mid-afternoon, the fire had consumed more than 500 acres (200 hectares) of dry brush and damaged at least one home, according to officials from the Ventura County Fire Department. The flames were propelled by morning gusts that reached up to 30 mph (48 kph), though winds subsided later in the day.
“As the sun sets, those winds will calm down even more,” said fire department spokesperson Scott Dettorre.
Evacuations and Closures
Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of over 125,000 residents. The area was shrouded in smoke as helicopters conducted water drops. Dettorre could not specify the exact number of people ordered to leave.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, situated on a hillside a few miles away, announced it would be closed for the day due to the fire.
Cause Under Investigation
The cause of the Sandy Fire remains under investigation.
Separate Blaze on Santa Rosa Island
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a separate 15-square-mile (39-square-km) fire 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, forcing 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.
