Sandy Fire in Simi Valley: Several structures burned, 500 acres scorched

The Sandy Fire in Ventura County is burning near Hillside Middle School, Crestview Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School and Hollow Hills Elementary School.

In a post on Facebook, the Simi Valley Unified School District said all students are safe.

"Due to current air quality conditions, students are sheltering in place inside classrooms, and outdoor activities have been suspended," the post read. "District and school staff are actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with local emergency personnel. We are prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice if emergency officials determine that it is necessary."

District officials added parents and guardians do not need to come to campus unless otherwise told.

The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley triggered evacuation orders and warnings for several zones in the region.

The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley triggered evacuation orders and warnings for several zones in the region.

Details on Evacuation orders and warnings here.

The following zones are under an evacuation order:

• Simi Valley 32

• Simi Valley 33

• Simi Valley 34

• Simi Valley 35

The following zones are under an evacuation warning:

• Simi Valley 31

• TOAKS 6

• TOAKS 7

Meantime, a temporary evacuation point will open at 12 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, located at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue. A large animal shelter is open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 E Harbor Blvd.

There are several factors that may be aiding the firefight against the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley.

A wind advisory remains in place for most of the Southland, including the Simi Valley Area. Advisories rank lower than warnings.

The area near the Sandy Fire is seeing sustained wind speeds of around 18 mph with gusts reaching about 37 mph.

The area near the Sandy Fire is seeing sustained wind speeds of around 18 mph with gusts reaching about 37 mph at most. Higher gusts were expected through the mountain passes but have not materialized.

Relative humidity remained in the double digits at approximately 15%, which is good news as it is not tanking into single-digit territory. Temperatures in the region remained in the low-70s, which was also promising.

Winds are expected to back off by early Wednesday afternoon.

The Sandy Fire quickly jumped to 184 acres in Simi Valley on Monday. The blaze has burned several structures and triggered evacuations in the area.