More than 17,000 ordered to evacuate as California wildfire spreads

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday 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.

By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles (five square kilometers) of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Matt and Kim Brantley bring firefighters snacks and refreshments with their kids during wildfires, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

The flames were initially pushed by gusts that topped 30 mph (48 kph), but firefighters were aided by calmer winds overnight, said department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.

“We’ve made a lot of progress against this fire with those improved weather conditions,” Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said.

A firefighter conducts a firing operation, as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Cause under investigation

The fire was 5% contained. The cause is under investigation.

Evacuation orders and warnings were still in place for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people that was shrouded in smoke as aircraft made water drops.

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile (59-square-kilometer) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, off the Southern California coast. The fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.

There was no containment as of Tuesday morning.

Santa Rosa, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.

Mutual aid

The Los Angeles Fire Department continued to provide mutual aid Tuesday to firefighters contending with the Sandy Fire across the LA-Ventura county line.

The LAFD advised residents that smoke from the fire would become visible again in the San Fernando Valley, east of the fire zone, on Tuesday.

According to the department, “a large area of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter continues to burn.”

The LAFD moved additional resources to the Bell Canyon area, near the eastern edge of the fire zone, a department spokeswoman said.

An evacuation warning was issued Monday evening for parts of Chatsworth and West Hills, with residents advised to prepare to evacuate should conditions related to the Sandy Fire worsen, the LAFD announced.

Crews remained pre-deployed to that area and others of concern, she said.

Wildfire smoke advisory

Air quality has become a concern amid increasing winds and the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory through Tuesday evening.

Due to wind directions, areas likely to experience poor air quality include Calabasas, Pacific Palisades and Malibu, among others, according to the air quality management district.

“If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory conditions, stay indoors and keep windows closed,” advised Middleton. (With AP and CNS reports)

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