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Sandy Fire spreads
The Sandy Fire, a wind-driven wildfire burning in the hills above Simi Valley, consumed more than 1,300 acres by Tuesday morning and prompted mandatory evacuations for thousands of residents.
“more than 1,300 acres on Tuesday morning”
Ventura County Fire Department officials said the blaze grew to 1,386 acres with 5% containment on Tuesday afternoon after it began near Sandy Avenue and spread rapidly due to terrain-driven winds and low humidity.
Simi Valley Police Department said that around 10:17 a.m. they received a report that an individual "hit a rock with a tractor" near the 2600 block of Rudolph Drive, which sparked the fire.
Cal Fire officials said that "the fire is spreading dangerously fast and threatens structures as well as infrastructure," adding that multiple air and ground resources were en route and on order.
Evacuations and firefight
More than 750 firefighters were assigned to the Sandy Fire, and aerial footage showed thick smoke, several water-dropping helicopters, and residents evacuating their homes.
Ventura County Fire Department public information officer Andrew Dowd said the response relied on helicopters and water drops, noting, "Having the ability to drop up to a thousand gallons of water per drop".
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city officials were "closely monitoring" the fire and that the Los Angeles Fire Department had deployed some resources to support Ventura County crews.
By 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Cal Fire said fire activity had decreased significantly due to lighter wind conditions, allowing firefighters to strengthen containment lines and continue aggressive suppression efforts.
What comes next
Evacuation orders and warnings remained in place across Simi Valley and surrounding areas, with the Ventura County Sheriff's Emergency Services issuing mandatory evacuations for more than 13,000 residents.
“mandatory evacuations for more than 13,000 residents”
The California Highway Patrol closed a portion of Interstate 8 westbound at State Route 94 and Interstate 8 eastbound at Kitchen Creek due to the Tusil Fire, while Cal Fire ordered evacuations for several neighborhoods in that region.
In Simi Valley, a temporary evacuation point and overnight emergency shelter were established at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park on 505 Los Angeles Avenue, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was evacuated and remained closed for the rest of the day.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to bolster the response, with local, state and tribal agencies able to apply for 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs.
