Over 10,000 Homes Under Evacuation Orders as Fire Spreads in Southern California

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place in parts of Ventura County and nearby Los Angeles County as the Sandy Fire continues to burn near Simi Valley in Southern California.

As of 7:14 p.m. PDT Wednesday, May 20, CAL FIRE listed the Sandy Fire at 2,115 acres and 22% containment. Officials said one structure has been destroyed, and 859 personnel remain assigned to the fire.

Latest Update on Explosive Sandy Fire

A growing wildfire has prompted mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of homes in Ventura County, California. The Sandy Fire started on Monday morning, quickly spreading toward the populated area near Simi Valley. The dry landscape is serving as tinder for the flames to expand at a fast rate.

CAL FIRE said firefighters made strong progress on Wednesday, although warm temperatures, gusty winds, and difficult terrain continued to create challenging conditions. Interior pockets of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter are still producing visible smoke.