The Sandy Fire was reported around 10 a.m. in hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, as wind-driven flames threatened nearby homes, according to the Ventura County Fire Department and emergency officials. By mid-afternoon, the fire had consumed more than 500 acres (200 hectares) of dry brush and damaged at least one home, the department said.
Fire officials said the Sandy Fire’s rapid spread was driven by morning gusts that topped 30 mph (48 kph), but they indicated the wind was easing later in the day. Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Scott Dettorre said, “As the sun sets, those winds will calm down even more.”
As conditions developed through the day, evacuation orders and warnings were issued for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people that was shrouded in smoke. Dettorre said he did not know exactly how many people were ordered to leave.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, perched on a hillside a few miles from the city, said it was closed for the day because of the fire. Officials said the cause remained under investigation.
Separately, firefighters were battling a second wildfire burning on Santa Rosa Island, the second-largest of the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast. The blaze on Santa Rosa Island covered about 15 square miles (39 square kilometers), destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed, and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.
Santa Rosa is a popular destination for camping and hiking, and the island is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals. Officials did not provide additional details on injuries or the extent of damage beyond those described.
The fire department said the sandy blaze was driven by changing winds earlier in the day, but the department said conditions were expected to improve as the winds calmed near sunset. For residents in affected areas of Simi Valley, officials continued to urge evacuations as the incident response unfolded.