Overview
- The paired blazes, which erupted Monday near Simi Valley and on Santa Rosa Island, spread fast on strong, dry winds and forced evacuations across Ventura County.
- By Tuesday evening, officials said the island fire was 26% contained at about 68 square kilometers, while the Sandy Fire near Simi Valley was 5% contained at roughly seven square kilometers.
- Authorities reported at least one home destroyed, no confirmed deaths, and evacuation orders and warnings that affected as many as 29,000 people before dropping to about 17,000.
- Hundreds of firefighters used air tankers and helicopters, and Los Angeles sent crews and aircraft to assist as Mayor Karen Bass said the blaze was not expected to reach the city.
- Investigators are examining sailor distress flares on the island and a reported tractor spark near Simi Valley, and the Santa Rosa blaze is the island’s largest on record with the park closed to visitors.