Thousands under evacuation orders in southern California as wildfire threatens homes

"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 on Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48km) north-west of Los Angeles. By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than 2 sq miles 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 30mph (48km/h), but firefighters were aided by calmer winds overnight, said a department spokesperson, Andrew Dowd. We've made a lot of progress against this fire with those improved weather conditions, Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said."

"About 750 firefighters had been assigned to the fire by Tuesday, along with helicopters and air tankers, according to the Ventura County Star. The fire has destroyed at least one home. The fire was 5% contained by midday on Tuesday. The cause is under investigation."

"Los Angeles officials are monitoring the fire, but expected firefighters in Ventura county to halt its progress. While the Sandy Fire is in Ventura County, the Los Angeles Fire Department continues to closely monitor the situation and has deployed resources on the ground including strike teams, a hand crew, and helicopters to assist local crews in firefighting efforts, Los Angeles' mayor, Karen Bass, said in a statement. At this time, we do not expect the wildfire to reach the City of Los Angeles."

A wind-driven wildfire called the Sandy Fire burned in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles. By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than 2 square miles of dry brush and destroyed at least one home. Evacuation orders covered more than 17,000 people in southern California, with orders and warnings still active for several Simi Valley neighborhoods. Gusts initially exceeded 30 mph, while calmer winds overnight helped firefighters make progress. About 750 firefighters were assigned, supported by helicopters and air tankers, and the fire was 5% contained by midday. The cause was under investigation, and Los Angeles officials monitored the situation while expecting Ventura County crews to stop further spread. Additional fires in Riverside County prompted more evacuations.

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