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

As firefighters work to extinguish the Sandy Fire, police are investigating an incident that may have sparked the blaze.

As firefighters work to extinguish the Sandy Fire, police are investigating an incident that may have sparked the blaze.

Simi Valley police told Eyewitness News that someone called the department just before 10:30 a.m., saying they were clearing brush with a tractor when they struck a rock, which then ignited a fire.

The police department could not confirm if that incident is what started the fire, but police said it's a possibility.

The winds were strong in Simi Valley Monday, but they did not reach extreme levels, allowing crews to launch an aerial attack on the Sandy Fire.

Three air tankers and five helicopters battled the blaze from the air, according to Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer Andy VanSciver.

The winds were strong in Simi Valley Monday, but they did not reach extreme levels, allowing crews to launch an aerial attack on the Sandy Fire.

The air tankers, which are fixed-wing aircraft, dropped fire retardant on the flames, while the helicopters dropped between 1,000 - 3,000 gallons of water on the hot spots deep inside the canyons, VanSciver said.

VanSciver highlighted the crucial element of having multiple resources in the air at the start of the firefight.

"That was one of the challenges with the Palisades and Eaton fires. The wind was too strong for the air tankers and some of the helicopters," he said.

Referencing the Sandy Fire, VanSciver said: "We're in a good spot right now. We have multiple resources in the air, and they're making good work. And like I said, we're really following up with our ground team with the firefighters, hand crews and bull dozers building containment lines around the fire."

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.