Firefighters made significant progress in combating the Sandy fire, increasing containment of the fire to 30% as of Thursday morning. according to data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
In an update posted at 10:11 am, Cal Fire officials reported the flames had spread across 2,115 acreswith firefighter efforts concentrated in the Runkle Canyon area.
#SandyFire morning operational change with Chief Trevor Johnson:
The Sandy Fire is within the period in-between 2,114.5 acres with 30% containment. There are 1,121 firefighters assigned to the incident.
Firefighters are expecting improved climate stipulations this day, including decreasing temperatures and… pic.twitter.com/hLl5fCcazB
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) Would possibly perhaps presumably 21, 2026
Nearly 44,000 Ventura and Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders following the advance of the fire, which broke out around 10:50 am on Monday, May 18 in the 600 block of Sandy Road, near Sycamore Park, in Simi Valley.
Keep reading: Wildfires prompt poor air quality alerts in Southern California
Cal Fire confirmed that the fire caused severe damage, including several vehicles and a home that apparently It is owned by a retired couple who have lived there for almost 40 years.
“Despite the incredible work firefighters did to protect homes in this neighborhood, We deeply regret the situation of the residents who lost everything“stated a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department.
The neighbors They initially thought that the smoke caused by a barbecuebut they later called 911 after confirming that it was a vegetation fire.
Keep reading: Shipwrecked sailor may have caused California’s largest active wildfire
On Monday, the fire quickly spread to 720 acres, driven by strong winds, with low humidity levels and high temperatureswhich made the work of firefighters difficult.
Evacuation orders and alerts
For this Thursday, Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas of Ventura County:
- Santa Susanna 01
- Santa Susanna 02
- Bell Canyon 01
- Bell Canyon 02
- Bell Canyon 03
- Bell Canyon 04
- Bell Canyon 05
- Cheseboro 01
- Donkey Flats 01
- Meier Canyon 01
- Simi Valley 27
- Simi Valley 28
- Simi Valley 32-A
- Simi Valley 33
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
The evacuation notices for the following areas in Ventura County:
- Field Canyon 02
- Field Canyon 03
- Simi Valley 32-C
- Simi Valley 33-B
In Los Angeles County, Evacuation notices are in effect for the following areas:
- AGO-C304
- CAL-C401
- CBS-U024
- HID-C501
- LAC-LAKEMANOR
- LAC-WOODLSLEY
- LFD-0295
- LFD-0343
- LFD-0405
- LFD-0469
- LFD-0471
- MTV-U048
- WTH-U045
Temporary shelters
Temporary shelter remains in place for residents affected by evacuation orders at Rancho Santa Susana Neighborhood Park, at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue. A small animal shelter is available at the Simi Valley Animal Safe haven, at 670 Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.
Keep reading: Evacuation orders extended for Sandy Fire in Ventura County
To find shelter for large animals, such as horses and cattle, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Ventura County Animal Preserve Watch Over Service at 805-388-4341.
School closures
The Simi Valley Unified School District reported that all schools will remain closed for the rest of the weekwith the suspension of all school and extracurricular programs and activities.
Road closures
Authorities keep different roads closed for the protection of residents and can only be used by emergency vehicles.
Bell Canyon Avenue It is closed in both directions from Overland Pressure.
Katherine Roadnext to the train tracks.
Private Springs Avenuefrom Santa Susana Circulation Avenue to Katherine Avenue.
Oak Knolls Avenueon Southern Oaks Avenue.
Crinklaw Lane
Santa Susana Circulation Avenuenext to the train tracks
Santa Susana Circulation Avenueon Field Canyon Avenue
Additional Resources for Simi Valley
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that additional resources were obtained from FEMA to be sent to Ventura County to fight the Sandy Fire.
Keep reading: Vegetation fire threatens homes in Ventura County
“This mobilization will ensure that response teams have the necessary support to continue protecting lives and homes while dangerous fire conditions persist,” said Newsom, who was in Washington, DC this week.
“We are deeply grateful to the teams on the front lines and We urge Californians in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities“added the governor in a statement.
Keep reading:
· Investigation concludes that there were no delays in evacuations due to the Eaton fire in Los Angeles
· Danger of vegetation fires in Southern California due to intense winds
· Extreme heat increases fire risk in Southern California
