More than 17,000 under evacuation orders as Southern California wildfire threatens homes
SIMI VALLEY, California — More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders Tuesday in Southern California as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.
The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
As of Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than three square miles of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to Ventura County firefighters.
The flames were initially pushed by gusts exceeding 30 mph, but firefighters were helped by calmer winds overnight, department spokesman Andrew Dowd said.
“We’ve made a lot of progress against this fire with these improved weather conditions,” Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said.
The fire was 5% contained. The cause is under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings were still in effect in several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 shrouded in smoke as planes dropped water.
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 59-square-kilometer blaze on Santa Rosa Island, off the southern California coast. The fire destroyed a cabin and equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.
There was no confinement Tuesday morning.
Santa Rosa, a popular camping and hiking destination, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.
