Sandy Fire in Simi Valley: More than 1,300 acres scorched, evacuations expanded

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 Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

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

• MEIC-01

• BURR-01

• BELL-01

• BELL-02

• BELL-04

• BELL-05

• CHES-01

• SASU-01

• SASU-02

The following zones are under an evacuation warning:

• Simi Valley 31

• TOAK-06

• TOAK-07

• BELL-03

• BOXC-02

• BOXC-03

Los Angeles County:

• WTH-U045

• HID-C501

• AGO-C304

• CAL-C401

• LAC-WOOLSEY

• LAC-LAKEMANOR

• CSB-U024

• MTV-U048

• LFD-0405

• LFD-0469

• LFD-0343

• LFD-0295

• LFD-0471

Meanwhile, a temporary evacuation point is open 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.