Liputan6.com, Jakarta - A massive wildfire, dubbed the "Sandy Fire," erupted in Simi Valley, California, on Monday, May 18, 2026, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of residents.
The rapidly spreading blaze has caused damage to at least one home, creating a critical situation for the affected community.
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The fire was first reported around 10:00 a.m. local time, starting in the hills located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
It quickly grew, fueled by extremely dry and windy weather conditions.
Firefighters from multiple agencies have been deployed to combat the blaze, which continues to spread out of control.
Timeline and Suspected Initial Cause of the Fire
The Sandy Fire was reported around 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, in the hills above Simi Valley.
The fire started near Sequoia and Sandy Avenues at that time.
Initial reports indicate the fire started around 10:17 a.m. after someone "hit a rock with a tractor" near the 2600 block of Rudolph Drive, which then ignited the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation.
Sergeant Rick Morton stated that when people clear large areas of land, they often run over something they can't see.
This can cause whatever they're clearing to catch fire, as is suspected in this incident.
Fire Spread and Damage Impact in California
By Monday morning, the fire had spread to more than 180 acres (73 hectares) shortly before noon.
Within an hour, the Sandy Fire quickly grew to 180 acres.
By Monday afternoon, May 18, 2026, the fire had consumed more than 500 acres (200 hectares) of dry brush.
The fire continued to spread to more than 800 acres by around 3:30 p.m., fueled by wind gusts exceeding 30 mph, and without containment.
As of Monday evening, May 18, 2026, the fire had burned approximately 1,364 acres with 0% containment.
Ventura County Fire officials stated that the Sandy Fire had grown to over 1,300 acres with no containment.
At least one home and one other structure were burning, with reports of one home being completely destroyed.
Aerial footage from local TV stations showed at least one home burning, while the fire threatened other homes and nearby critical infrastructure.
The Role of Extreme Weather
Strong Santa Ana winds of up to 40 mph fueled the fire's rapid spread.
Winds reaching nearly 40 mph, combined with dry vegetation and low humidity, allowed the fire to spread at an alarming rate.
A wind shift in the afternoon pushed the fire southeastward toward the San Fernando Valley, and warm, dry conditions are expected to continue.
These extreme weather conditions are a major factor in the difficulty of controlling the Sandy Fire in California.
Mass Evacuation and Emergency Response
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for thousands of people in Simi Valley.
More than 28,600 people were under evacuation orders as of Monday afternoon.Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect for Simi Valley zones 32, 33, 34, and 35.
Evacuation warnings were also issued for Simi Valley Zone 31 and Thousand Oaks zones TOAK-06 and TOAK-07, extending westward into northern Thousand Oaks.
A temporary evacuation point was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley.
Evacuation centers for small animals are at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter and the Camarillo Animal Shelter, while larger animals are being directed to the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, located on a hillside a few miles away, was closed due to the fire.
More than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, supported by four helicopters and three air tankers.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is also deploying resources to assist Ventura County crews.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and continues to coordinate with local first responders.