A fast-moving brush fire dubbed the Sandy Fire erupted Monday morning in Simi Valley, California, scorching more than 1,300 acres with zero containment and forcing mandatory evacuations across 13 zones in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Ventura County Fire reports at least one home destroyed on Trickling Brook Court, with wind gusts described by first responders as strong enough to push people over.
Simi Valley Police say the fire was ignited at 10:17 a.m. when an individual struck a rock with a tractor near the 2,600 block of Rudolph Drive. Over 750 firefighters backed by three air tankers and six helicopters are battling the flames, while the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was evacuated and all Simi Valley Unified School District campuses are closed Tuesday.
Evacuation warnings have extended into West Hills and Chatsworth in Los Angeles County as Santa Ana winds drive flames and smoke toward the San Fernando Valley. A temporary evacuation point is open at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park and a large-animal shelter has been set up at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.