The Sandy fire now covers nearly 1,400 acres of land with 5% containment in Simi Valley, California, northwest of Los Angeles.
The fire was first reported at 10 a.m. Monday. Strong winds have fueled significant growth since then. At least one home has been destroyed, with thousands of others evacuated.
Firefighters made significant progress overnight while temperatures were cooler, using helicopters to conduct water-dropping operations, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department release. There are 750 firefighters reported on the scene, now preparing to address potential flare-ups as winds increase later this morning. The fire is moving east, according to officials.
Evacuation orders remain in effect and officials have not determined when the orders will be lifted. Over 28,000 Simi Valley residents have been ordered to evacuate, spanning across 14 zones in Southern California. An additional 15 zones are under evacuation warning.
All Simi Valley Unified School District schools are closed Tuesday, including after-school activities and programs.
California has secured federal firefighting funds to help suppress the fire, which allows agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75% reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
“California is mobilizing resources to support Ventura County communities threatened by the Sandy Fire,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press release Monday. “This activation will ensure responders have the support needed to continue protecting lives and homes as dangerous fire conditions persist.”
The Ventura County Public Health Department warns unhealthy air quality may become a concern and encourages residents to stay indoors with windows closed.
Officials say the cause of the fire remains under investigation as of Tuesday morning. The police department confirmed in a release it had received a call Monday morning saying someone had struck rock with their tractor while clearing brush, according to local media reports, which ignited a flame, but police have not confirmed if this is what started the fire. No fatalities have been reported.
