Sandy Fire in Simi Valley: Several structures burned, 836 acres scorched

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Last updated: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:07AM GMT
Sandy Fire expands to 720 acres, threatens structures

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire dubbed the Sandy Fire broke out in Simi Valley on Monday.

AIR7 spotted at least one property damaged by flames.

The blaze spread quickly in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

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Here's how the news is developing.
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May 19, 2026, 12:07 AM

Map of Sandy Fire evacuation orders, warnings

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
  • MEIC-01

The following zones are under an evacuation warning:

  • Simi Valley 31
  • TOAK-6
  • TOAK-7
  • BURR-01

Meanwhile, 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.

KABC logo
May 18, 2026, 9:32 PM GMT

Sandy Fire expands to 720 acres, threatens structures

The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley increased to 720 acres Monday afternoon.

The Ventura County Fire Department said the fire is still threatening structures, and evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

Approximately 500 firefighters are assigned to battle the blaze, and firefighting aircraft are continuing to douse flames with retardant and water to support crews on the ground.

The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley increased to 720 acres Monday afternoon. Ventura County Fire says the blaze is still threatening structures.19126503
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May 18, 2026, 8:54 PM GMT

Reagan Library closes due to wildfire in Simi Valley

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library closed its doors Monday due to the Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley, which has reportedly burned at least 720 acres as of 1:53 p.m.

The library made the announcement on their website.

Although the Reagan Library was not in the path of the fire, the decision to close was due to road closures in the area, according to the library's Chief of Staff.

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May 18, 2026, 8:40 PM GMT

Sandy Fire burns 500 acres, Ventura County Fire estimates

The Sandy Fire has now grown to 500 acres, Ventura County Fire reported.

The Sandy Fire has now grown to 500 acres, Ventura County Fire reported.

"We are still anticipating a change in the weather to our advantage," said Andy Van Sciver from Ventura County Fire.

As of 1 p.m., there were still hot spots visible from AIR7.

"We're going to be here for some time," Van Sciver said.

KABC logo
May 18, 2026, 7:31 PM GMT

Tractor may have hit rock, sparked Sandy Fire, police say

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.