More than 17,000 under evacuation orders as Southern California wildfire threatens homes

Source: AP

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Updated 12:17 PM CDT, May 19, 2026
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SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.

The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles (five square kilometers) of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The flames were initially pushed by gusts that topped 30 mph (48 kph), but firefighters were aided by calmer winds overnight, said department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.


2 of 6 | Fire crews conduct a firing operation to control the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/sandy-fire-simi-valley-california-be9cce40d55499e6772328fa764954f6