One home destroyed and school canceled as containment begins on Sandy Fire in Simi Valley

Ventura County Fire officials say the Sandy Fire has grown to more than 1,385 acres, with 5% containment.

CalFire reported Tuesday afternoon that heavy smoke was visible: "The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke due to unburned areas within the interior of the fire footprint now becoming actively involved."

The Sandy Fire started Monday morning, growing quickly and pushing southeast of Simi Valley by Monday evening. By dusk it threatened parts of Los Angeles County. Minimal fire growth was observed overnight. It prompted multiple evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices.

Ventura County Fire Capt. Brian Heath said Tuesday morning that bulldozers and hand crews were working hard to set up containment lines in the face of shifting winds, with a priority on structure protection. Containment reached 5% Tuesday morning.

One home has been reported destroyed, and the fire threatened other homes.

Classes were canceled Tuesday for students of the Simi Valley Unified School District, where all schools are closed.

The fire started near Sequoia and Sandy avenues in Simi Valley. Its cause is under investigation.

Sandy Fire, by the numbers

• Size: 1,386 acres
• Containment: 5%
• Firefighters: More than 750

Evacuations

View the detailed map of current evacuation areas.

A temporary evacuation point has been established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley.

Evacuation centers for small animals have been set up at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave. and the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo. Livestock can be taken to the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

VC Alert has enabled its information hotline, which is at (805) 465-6650.

LAist senior editors Ross Brenneman and Matthew Ballinger contributed to this report.