Fast moving Sandy Fire threatens Simi Valley neighborhoods

Inmate firefighters prepare to battle the Sandy Fire as it burns through the area on May 18, 2026 in Simi Valley, Calif. The fast-moving Sandy Fire burned more than 500 acres near Simi Valley and prompted mandatory evacuation orders as strong winds pushed flames toward homes and nearby communities. The fire burned one home.

The remains of a damaged powerline after the fire passed through during a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

A woman guides a horse as smoke rises from a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

A person uses a hose to water a garden as smoke rises from a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

A car stands parked amid debris from a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, California, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

A Ventura County Fire Department helicopter drops water on the Sandy Fire as it burns through the area on May 18, 2026 in Simi Valley, Calif. The fast-moving Sandy Fire burned more than 500 acres near Simi Valley and prompted mandatory evacuation orders as strong winds pushed flames toward homes and nearby communities. The fire burned one home.

Inmate firefighters monitor the Sandy Fire as it burns through the area on May 18, 2026 in Simi Valley, Calif. The fast-moving Sandy Fire burned more than 500 acres near Simi Valley and prompted mandatory evacuation orders as strong winds pushed flames toward homes and nearby communities. The fire burned one home.

The Sandy Fire burns through heavy brush as it moves through the area on May 18, 2026 in Simi Valley, Calif. The fast-moving Sandy Fire burned more than 500 acres near Simi Valley and prompted mandatory evacuation orders as strong winds pushed flames toward homes and nearby communities. The fire burned one home.

Helicopters attack the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on May 18, 2026.

A resident uses a hose to wet the shrubbery around his property as a helicopter passes overhead during a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

Residents look on as a Ventura County Fire Department helicopter flies during a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

A resident uses a power washer to wet trees after the fire passed through during a wildfire known as the Sandy Fire, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

Smoke from the wildfire known as the Sandy Fire billows in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.

Helicopters attack the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on May 18, 2026.

Vehicles drive as smoke from the wildfire known as the Sandy Fire billows, in Simi Valley, Calif. on May 18, 2026.