A fire ripping through Simi Valley has spurred evacuations as hundreds of homes are now under threat of being burned to the ground.
The wind-driven Sandy Fire broke out just before 11 a.m. Monday around the 600 block of Sandy Avenue.
Approximately 30 minutes later, the fire had spread to nearly 200 acres.
More than 200 firefighters from Ventura County, LA County and CAL FIRE raced to the scene — dumping water from above.
“Fire personnel are currently on scene of a fast-moving brush fire originating in the area of Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley. The fire is currently estimated at 184 acres and threatening structures. Evacuation Orders and Warnings have been issued for the area,” an alert said.
Simi Valley zones 32, 33, 34 and 35 are all currently under evacuation order with more orders possible.
A temporary evacuation point has been set up at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, at 5005 Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.
Large animals can be taken to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Small animals can be taken to the Simi Valley Animal Shelter.
Simi Valley is the third largest of Ventura County’s 10 cities, according to the city council’s website — with an estimated population of 126,380. The region is approximately 42 square miles in area and is 37 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
This is a developing story.
