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Thousands Ordered to Evacuate as Sandy Fire Near Simi Valley Reaches About 1,400 Acres

Cooler overnight weather helped crews slow the blaze to about 5% containment.

Overview

  • The wildfire, which ignited Monday late morning near Sandy Avenue, had burned about 1,385 acres by Tuesday morning with 5% containment.
  • Roughly 17,000 residents remained under evacuation orders Tuesday as some warning zones were lifted overnight and others shifted with the fire’s movement.
  • At least one home was destroyed, and crews deployed 700 to 750 firefighters with helicopters and air tankers as improved overnight humidity helped limit new spread.
  • California obtained a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to cover most suppression costs, allowing local and state agencies to seek 75% reimbursement.
  • Investigators are reviewing an unconfirmed report that a brush-clearing tractor struck a rock and sparked the blaze, with gusty Santa Ana winds and dry fuels driving rapid early growth.