Sandy Fire burns 184 acres in Simi Valley, evacuations ordered

A fast-moving brush fire erupted Monday morning in Simi Valley, California, forcing evacuations, damaging structures, and consuming hundreds of acres. The blaze, named the Sandy Fire, was reported just after 10 a.m. near Sandy Drive and grew rapidly, threatening residential neighborhoods in the Ventura County city located about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

By late afternoon, the fire had burned approximately 184 acres and was zero percent contained, according to fire officials. Aerial footage showed at least one home on fire, with officials confirming structures had been lost or damaged, though an exact count was not immediately provided. The Ventura County Fire Department dispatched over 200 firefighters, supported by multiple helicopters and air tankers conducting water drops to establish fire breaks.

Evacuation orders were issued for residents in parts of southern Simi Valley, with warnings extending into adjacent areas of Thousand Oaks. Authorities established a temporary evacuation point at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park on Los Angeles Avenue. Animal shelters were opened at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter for small pets and at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in...