Fast-Moving Sandy Fire in Simi Valley Burns Over 1,300 Acres, Forces Evacuations For Thousands of Residents

Several teams of firefighters have been trying to contain the Sandy Fire, which broke out in Simi Valley on May 18, 2026, prompting evacuations for thousands of residents.

The fire started as a brush fire near Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley in Ventura County on Monday morning. The fast-moving fire has scorched around 1,364 acres with zero containment so far, according to the Ventura County Emergency Information Office.

The fire has been rapidly spreading east and currently poses a danger to the communities of Simi Valley, Bell Canyon, and Box Canyon.

While there were no reports of injuries, CBS News reported that a home was engulfed in flames on Trickling Brook Court in Simi Valley.

Teams from the Ventura County Fire Department and the Los Angeles City Fire Department have been deployed to control the blaze. The Los Angeles City Fire Department has deployed strike teams, dozers, a hand crew, and helicopters to contain the fire.

More than 750 firefighters are currently trying to contain the fire, according to CBS News. Citing the Simi Valley Police Department, the report added that the fire broke out after an individual “hit a rock with a tractor” near the 2600 block of Rudolph Drive.

Evacuation Notices Issued

Since winds are carrying smoke from the fire into Los Angeles, the fire department warned residents that air quality will be impacted. The fire department advised people to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and restrict outdoor activities, especially those who are sensitive to smoke or suffer from respiratory problems.

Citing the Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services, CBS News said that over 13,000 residents received mandatory evacuation notices as the fire continued to spread on Monday.

In Los Angeles, an evacuation warning is in effect for parts of West Hills and Chatsworth.

Crestview Elementary and Mountain View Elementary schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District were evacuated to Simi Valley High School, according to CAL Fire.

The Simi Valley School District has canceled school on Tuesday due to the fire. The district will evaluate the fire status on Tuesday afternoon to determine if school can reopen on Wednesday.

Authorities have opened up a small animal shelter in Simi Valley and a large animal shelter at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Governor Newsom Monitoring the Fire

Governor Gavin Newsom announced in a social media post that he was briefed on the Sandy Fire and thanked first responders on the scene, while reminding residents to follow guidance from local authorities.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local law enforcement, he added.

To assist the local and state response efforts to the fire, Governor Newsom announced that the state has secured federal funding.

California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to strengthen the response to the Sandy Fire, he said in a statement on Monday. The grant will enable local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75% reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.