A fast-moving brush fire broke out in Simi Valley on Monday, May 18, 2026, destroying at least one home, forcing evacuations across multiple zones in both Ventura and Los Angeles counties, and sending smoke billowing into the San Fernando Valley overnight. The fire, dubbed the Sandy Fire, is still burning as of Tuesday morning.
Here is everything you need to know: where it is, who needs to evacuate, which schools are closed, and what investigators believe started it.
How Big Is the Sandy Fire Right Now?
As of Tuesday morning, May 19, the Sandy Fire has burned approximately 1,364 acres and is 0% contained. Fire officials said significant progress has been made on containment lines overnight, but with another round of Santa Ana winds expected Tuesday, conditions remain dangerous.
The fire started at approximately 10:50 AM on Monday in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley, in a residential area south of the city. It spread rapidly through dry brush pushed by strong winds, moving east toward Bell Canyon and Box Canyon in Los Angeles County.
At least 500 firefighters are currently on scene, drawn from Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and CAL FIRE. Aerial resources include three air tankers and six helicopters conducting suppression operations over the fire area. Crews are actively engaged in structure defense, dropping water and coordinating with ground resources to establish control lines before the fire can push further into the Simi Hills.
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What Caused the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley?
Simi Valley police say a tractor may have sparked the blaze. Someone called the police department at 10:17 AM on Monday, saying they were clearing brush with a tractor when it struck a rock, which then ignited a fire. Police said they cannot confirm that incident definitively started the Sandy Fire but described it as a strong possibility under active investigation.
The Ventura County Fire Department has not made an official determination on cause as of Tuesday morning.
Sandy Fire Evacuation Orders and Warnings: Who Needs to Leave?
Evacuation orders and warnings cover multiple zones across both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The situation is still developing, and zones are being updated as the fire moves.
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Current evacuation orders (mandatory, residents must leave immediately) cover several zones in the Simi Valley area. Residents in these zones should not wait and should leave now.
Current evacuation warnings (be prepared to leave at any moment) have been issued for portions of:
- West Hills (Los Angeles County)
- Chatsworth (Los Angeles County)
- Bell Canyon
- Box Canyon
For the most current zone-by-zone map, the Ventura County Emergency Services site and the Los Angeles County Emergency Management site are being updated in real time.
Evacuation point: A temporary evacuation point is open at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, located at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley.
Large animal shelter: Open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 East Harbor Blvd, Ventura.
Will the Sandy Fire Reach Los Angeles?
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed this directly in a statement Monday night: “At this time, we do not expect the wildfire to reach the City of Los Angeles.”
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She added that as a precaution, the LAFD has prepositioned resources in the San Fernando Valley and that an Evacuation Warning has been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth. Under an evacuation warning, residents are not required to leave immediately but are strongly encouraged to be alert and prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.
San Fernando Valley residents reported heavy smoke in the air Monday night as winds carried it south from Simi Valley. Air quality advisories are in effect for parts of the region. Residents with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor exposure.
Which Schools Are Closed Because of the Sandy Fire?
All Simi Valley Unified School District schools are closed to students on Tuesday, May 19, due to the fire. The district made the announcement early Tuesday morning.
Parents should check the Simi Valley Unified School District website and their school’s official communication channels for updates on Wednesday reopening plans, which will depend on containment progress and air quality conditions.
What Has Been Destroyed So Far?
At least one home has been confirmed destroyed by the Sandy Fire. Aerial footage captured by KTLA’s Sky5 showed at least two structures, including one home, and several vehicles burning on Trickling Brook Court off Rambling Road. Additional structures have been reported as damaged.
As of Tuesday morning, the full scope of structural damage is still being assessed. Fire officials were focused overnight on preventing further spread into residential areas rather than damage surveys, which will take place once the situation is more controlled.
Is This Connected to the January 2025 LA Fires?
The Sandy Fire is a separate event from the January 2025 fires that devastated parts of Los Angeles County, including the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Those fires killed 28 people and destroyed thousands of structures in one of the most destructive wildfire events in California history.
However, the Sandy Fire is a reminder that fire risk in Southern California does not end with winter. With 0% containment, 500 firefighters on scene, and another round of Santa Ana winds expected Tuesday, the situation is still active and developing. Dry conditions, low humidity, and wind are the same drivers that made the January fires so destructive, and all three are present again this week.
How to Stay Updated on the Sandy Fire
The situation is changing rapidly. For real-time updates:
- Ventura County Fire Department on X: @VCFD_PIO
- Ventura County Emergency Services: vcemergency.com
- Los Angeles County Emergency Management
- ABC7 Los Angeles live updates
- KTLA Sandy Fire coverage
- Simi Valley Unified School District
If you are in an evacuation zone, leave now and do not wait for conditions to worsen.
Key Takeaways
- The Sandy Fire broke out Monday morning in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley, started potentially by a tractor striking a rock while clearing brush.
- As of Tuesday morning, the fire has burned 1,364 acres and is 0% contained with 500 firefighters on scene.
- At least one home has been destroyed. Multiple structures and vehicles were damaged.
- Evacuation orders and warnings cover zones in Simi Valley, West Hills, Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and Box Canyon.
- All Simi Valley Unified School District schools are closed Tuesday.
- LA Mayor Karen Bass said the fire is not expected to reach Los Angeles but LAFD resources are prepositioned in the San Fernando Valley as a precaution.
- Another round of Santa Ana winds is expected Tuesday, which could complicate containment efforts.
