Crews Battle Simi Valley Fire With More Wind Expected

A fast-moving brush fire in Southern California's Ventura County has now forced more than 40,000 residents from their homes in the city of Simi Valley.

The Sandy Fire, first reported Monday morning in the hills above Simi Valley, has grown to more than 3 square miles and was 22% contained by Wednesday evening, fire officials announced.

At least one home was destroyed, though additional structure damage assessments were ongoing.

Authorities said more homes remained threatened as the fire pushed east and southeast and the total number of residents under evacuation orders has increased to more than 43,000, according to KTLA.com.

Though the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Santa Ana-style wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph fueled the blaze, causing it to spread quickly through dry brush.

Satellite footage shows the fire as it exploded, spreading smoke for miles.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued across multiple neighborhoods in Simi Valley as well as nearby communities along the Ventura and Los Angeles county line, including parts of Bell Canyon and Box Canyon.

“This is the largest blaze we have had this fire year,” said Andy VanSciver, a public information officer with the Ventura County Fire Department.

He noted that changing wind patterns influenced fire behavior, creating sudden shifts in temperature and humidity in the fire zone.

Fire officials said crews are working with air and ground resources to slow the spread, but steep terrain and strong winds have complicated containment efforts.

Schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District were closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to ongoing fire activity and evacuation orders.

Officials warned that fire conditions remain critical as Southern California continues to experience dry vegetation and strong wind events typically associated with peak wildfire season.