Wildfire in Ventura County's Simi Valley prompts mandatory evacuations

Sandy Fire in Ventura County grows to 1,364 acres

Evacuations are underway in Ventura Countys Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks as the Sandy Fire has reached 1,364 acres with no containment acheived. At least one home has been destroyed. The governor announced federal aid has been approved by FEMA. 

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - At least one home has been destroyed and mandatory evacuation orders were issued after a wildfire erupted in Southern California's Simi Valley late Monday morning.

Officials with the Ventura County Fire Department said the fire was first reported in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, near Sycamore Park, around 10:30 a.m. 

An estimated 750 fire personnel are at the scene along with tankers and mutual aid that have been requested. 

Water-dropping helicopters are supporting suppression efforts and targeting hot spots, CAL FIRE said. 

By Monday night, the fire had reached 1,364 acres with no containment. 

Simi Valley Sandy Fire prompts mandatory evacuations

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued after a wildfire erupted in Simi Valley late Monday morning.

• Evacuation orders have been issued for Simi Valley Zones 32-35.
• Evacuation warnings were issued for Simi Valley Zone 31, Toaks 6&7.

Evacuation centers

• A temporary evacuation center is now open at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.
• Large animals can be taken to the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
• Those with small animals can go to the Simi Valley Animal Shelter.

(Ventura County Emergency Information)

Nearby Agoura Hills officials said they are monitoring the Sandy Fire, though there is no immediate threat to the Agoura Hills community. 

Residents fight to save homes

Images from SkyFOX and ground crews showed residents fighting to save their properties with garden hoses.

The wind-driven fire comes as crews across Southern California were on alert due to dry conditions, high winds and low humidity levels. 

By Monday night, winds had calmed and the fire activity had significantly decreased, according to CAL FIRE. Firefighters are working through the night to build containment lines around the fire. 

In addition, two wildfires broke out in the Antelope Valley over the weekend. They have since been fully contained. 

Federal assistance

Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office announced late Monday night that the state had secured federal money through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). His office said the money would be used for Ventura County's Sandy Fire and would bolster ongoing efforts. 

The money is in the form of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). The funding will assist local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75% reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs, a news release from the governor's office read.