Last updated: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 3:25AM GMT
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) — A brush fire dubbed the Sandy Fire broke out in Simi Valley on Monday.
AIR7 spotted at least one property damaged by flames.
The blaze spread quickly in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
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Key Headlines
Here’s how the news is developing.
Map of Sandy Fire evacuation orders, warnings
The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley triggered evacuation orders and warnings for several zones in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Details on Evacuation orders and warnings here.
The following zones are under an evacuation order:
The following zones are under an evacuation warning:
Meanwhile, a temporary evacuation point is open at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, located at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue. A large animal shelter is open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 E Harbor Blvd.
A small animal shelter is open at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter, located at 670 W Los Angeles Ave.
May 19, 2026, 1:36 PM GMT
Crews work to gain control ahead of shifting winds
The fire calmed down overnight, but conditions could change as winds are expected to pick up Tuesday morning.
Overnight, firefighters target hot spots with water drops as they to build containment lines. Calmer winds and increased humidity levels has dampened the fire activity, but crews are still monitoring shifting winds.
Meanwhile, smoke from the smoldering fire is raising air quality concerns. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says the air quality may reach unhealthy levels in places like Calabasas, Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
The fire calmed down overnight, but conditions could change as winds are expected to pick up Tuesday morning.
May 19, 2026, 1:11 PM GMT
Sandy Fire is 3rd largest wildfire currently burning in CA
The wind-fueled Sandy Fire in Simi Valley has burned 1,386 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in California so far this season.
It follows only the Santa Rosa Island and River fires in San Barbara and Kern counties. The destructive blaze adds to a grim statewide total.
The wind-fueled Sandy Fire in Simi Valley has burned 1,386 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in California so far this season.
Across California this year, crews have already battled more than 1,400 wildfires that have scorched over 32,000 acres and destroyed seven structures.
The Sandy Fire remains 0% contained.
May 19, 2026, 5:49 AM GMT
Simi Valley Unified School District schools will be closed Tuesday
All Simi Valley Unified School District schools will be closed to students on Tuesday due to the fire, the district said. The closure includes after-school programs and activities.
Only key leadership staff will be contacted to work for varied assignments.
The district said it will evaluate the fire’s status Tuesday afternoon and decide if the school can reopen Wednesday.
May 19, 2026, 3:42 AM GMT
San Fernando Valley residents see smoke as Sandy Fire burns in Simi Valley
Residents in the San Fernando Valley are seeing smoke on Monday night as crews continue to battle the Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley.
While the fire is burning in Ventura County, evacuation warnings have been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth as the wind drives the flames and smoke toward the valley.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement saying, “At this time, we do not expect the wildfire to reach the City of Los Angeles.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, LAFD has prepositioned resources in the San Fernando Valley and an Evacuation Warning has been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth. Under an Evacuation Warning, residents are not required to leave immediately but are encouraged to be alert and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen and an Evacuation Order is issued,” the statement continued. “Residents in the San Fernando Valley may experience smoke this evening as it is carried in from the Sandy Fire.”
