Sandy Fire burns in Simi Valley, forces evacuations and school lockdowns

The Sandy Fire forced mandatory evacuations in Simi Valley as flames pushed through the 600 block of Sandy Avenue and grew to more than 180 acres by noon Monday. Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services ordered residents in SIMI-32, SIMI-33, SIMI-34 and SIMI-35 to leave, while evacuation warnings were issued for SIMI-31, TOAK-06 and TOAK-07. Officials set up a temporary evacuation point at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 505 Los Angeles Avenue.

The fire also moved into a school zone, prompting the Simi Valley Unified School District to keep students sheltering in place because of air quality conditions and to suspend outdoor activities. Hillside Middle School, Crestview Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School and Hollow Hills Elementary School were all near the burn area, and school officials said parents and guardians did not need to come to campus unless directed.

Fire crews surged to the scene as the Los Angeles Fire Department sent three strike teams, heavy equipment and a helicopter to support the response. Additional air and ground resources were ordered as firefighters worked the brush-covered hillside. NBC Los Angeles reported that at least one home burned and other buildings were threatened, while police were told someone clearing brush may have struck a rock, possibly starting the blaze.

Wind conditions added urgency. Meteorologist Marina Jurica said winds could peak around 1 p.m. at up to 40 mph before easing later in the day. The National Weather Service warned that gusty northeast Santa Ana winds would weaken overnight but return early Tuesday, with elevated to brief critical fire weather across southwestern California through Tuesday because of offshore winds and low humidity. FOX 11 Los Angeles said the fire erupted as crews across Southern California were already on alert for dry conditions, high winds and low humidity levels.

The Sandy Fire fit a familiar pattern for Simi Valley, where wildfire threats have repeatedly reached the urban edge. The July 3, 2024 Sharp Fire burned at least 133 acres before evacuation orders were lifted, and the 2003 Simi Fire scorched 108,204 acres across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Agoura Hills officials were monitoring the situation Monday, but there was no immediate threat to that community as the fire continued to test local emergency systems.