Sandy Fire in Simi Valley: Thousands remain under evac orders as blaze now 22% contained
Last updated: Thursday, May 21, 2026 1:11PM GMT
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- The Sandy Fire continues to burn in Simi Valley, which has scorched more than 2,100 acres and destroyed at least one home.
More than 17,000 people are under evacuation orders. The fire is 22% contained, and the cause is under investigation.
The wind-driven Sandy Fire erupted on Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The following zones are under an evacuation order:
BELL-01
BELL-02
BELL-03
BELL-04
BELL-05
BURR-01
CHES-01
MEIC-01
SASU-01
SASHU-02
Simi Valley 27
Simi Valley 28
Simi Valley 32a
Simi Valley 33
Simi Valley 34
Simi Valley 35
The following zones are under an evacuation warning:
AGO-C304
BOXC-02
BOXC-03
CAL-C401
CSB-U024
HID-C501
LAC-LAKEMANOR
LAC-WOODLSEY
LFD-0295
LFD-0343
LFD-0405
LFD-0469
LFD-0471
MTV-U048
Simi Valley 32c
Simi Valley 33b
WTH-U045
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.
A small animal shelter is open at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter, located at 670 W Los Angeles Ave.
More winds on tap for Simi Valley as Sandy Fire smolders
More winds are expected across the region Tuesday as the Sandy Fire continues to smolder in the Simi Valley area, keeping elevated fire danger in the mix.
The light Santa Ana winds out of the northeast will stick around for the next few hours, with gusts up to 20 mph possible. They are expected to shift in direction later this afternoon but temperatures will be warming up.
Here's the latest forecast for the area as the firefight continues.
More winds are expected across the region Tuesday as the Sandy Fire continues to smolder in the Simi Valley area, keeping elevated fire danger in the mix.
Crews work to gain control ahead of shifting winds
The fire calmed down overnight, but conditions could change as winds are expected to pick up Tuesday morning.
Overnight, firefighters target hot spots with water drops as they to build containment lines. Calmer winds and increased humidity levels has dampened the fire activity, but crews are still monitoring shifting winds.
Meanwhile, smoke from the smoldering fire is raising air quality concerns. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says the air quality may reach unhealthy levels in places like Calabasas, Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
The fire calmed down overnight, but conditions could change as winds are expected to pick up Tuesday morning.
May 19, 2026, 1:11 PM GMT
Sandy Fire is 3rd largest wildfire currently burning in CA
The wind-fueled Sandy Fire in Simi Valley has burned 1,386 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in California so far this season.
It follows only the Santa Rosa Island and River fires in San Barbara and Kern counties. The destructive blaze adds to a grim statewide total.
The wind-fueled Sandy Fire in Simi Valley has burned 1,386 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in California so far this season.
Across California this year, crews have already battled more than 1,400 wildfires that have scorched over 32,000 acres and destroyed seven structures.
The Sandy Fire remains 0% contained.
May 19, 2026, 5:49 AM GMT
Simi Valley Unified School District schools will be closed Tuesday
All Simi Valley Unified School District schools will be closed to students on Tuesday due to the fire, the district said. The closure includes after-school programs and activities.
Only key leadership staff will be contacted to work for varied assignments.
The district said it will evaluate the fire's status Tuesday afternoon and decide if the school can reopen Wednesday.
