Thousands Evacuated as Sandy Fire Threatens Southern California Homes

More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wind-driven wildfire threatened suburban homes.

The Sandy fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, approximately 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

By Tuesday morning, the blaze had consumed more than 2 square miles of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The flames were initially pushed by gusts that topped 30 mph, but firefighters benefited from calmer winds overnight, said department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.

“We’ve made a lot of progress against this fire with those improved weather conditions,” Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he added.

About 750 firefighters had been assigned to the fire by Tuesday, along with helicopters and air tankers, according to the Ventura County Star. The fire has destroyed at least one home.

The fire was 5% contained by midday Tuesday. The cause remains under investigation.

Evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people.

Los Angeles officials are monitoring the fire but expected firefighters in Ventura County to halt its progress.

“While the Sandy Fire is in Ventura County, the Los Angeles Fire Department continues to closely monitor the situation and has deployed resources on the ground – including strike teams, a hand crew, and helicopters – to assist local crews in firefighting efforts,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “At this time, we do not expect the wildfire to reach the City of Los Angeles.”

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile blaze on Santa Rosa Island, off the Southern California coast. The fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.

Santa Rosa, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals. The island hosts six plant species that grow there exclusively.

The Santa Rosa fire appeared to start after a shipwrecked sailor shot off at least two flares in an attempt to signal passing boats. He was rescued without injury after spending the night on the island, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The National Park Service said it is still investigating the fire’s cause.