Fast-spreading SoCal fire burns amid multiple blazes in state
Paris Barraza(This story was updated to add new information.)
A fast-spreading fire has consumed more than 700 acres in Southern California as authorities battle other blazes across the state amid wind advisories and red flag warnings on Monday, May 18.
The Sandy Fire is located south of Simi Valley in Ventura County, which borders Los Angeles County. The fire was "spreading dangerously fast" as of a Cal Fire incident update just before 11:30 a.m. May 18. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued in the area.
Cal Fire just before 2 p.m. put the fire at "720 acres with 0% containment." It was approximately 184 acres, according to the Ventura County Fire Department just before 12:30 p.m. on May 18.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, located in Simi Valley, announced it will be closed the remainder of May 18 due to the Sandy Fire in a post on X.
The fire comes as firefighters in California battle another major blaze on an island off the coast of Santa Barbara. The Santa Rosa Island Fire, which was reported on May 15, has surpassed 10,000 acres and destroyed two historic structures, according to authorities.
Here's what we know about fires burning across the state:
Sandy Fire
Where is Simi Valley? See Sandy Fire map
Sandy Fire prompts evacuations
According to the Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services dashboard, evacuation orders are in effect for the following zones for a stretch of a region that is roughly south of Royal Avenue, north or including a swath of Albertson Fire Road, west of Edison Road and east of Wood Ranch Parkway:
- Simi Valley 32
- Simi Valley 33
- Simi Valley 34
- Simi Valley 35
Evacuation warnings are also in effect for parts of Simi Valley and Thousands Oaks to its west. The fire has prompted the closure of schools Crestview Elementary and Mountain View Elementary in Simi Valley, according to Ventura County.
Santa Rosa Island Fire grows to 10,000 acres off coast
Southwest off Santa Barbara's coast is Santa Rosa Island, one of five islands part of the Channel Islands National Park. There, a 10,025-acre blaze burns in a southeastern swath of the island in "remote and rugged terrain," according to an incident report. The fire has burned two historic structures on the island, which is home to rare plant species like the Torrey pine.
Where is Santa Rosa Island? See fire map
Burro Fire scorches 30 acres in Angeles National Forest
A moderately burning wildfire broke out in Angeles National Forest, California fire officials say. The Burro Fire, which started shortly before 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 18, has burned about 30 acres, CalFire said in an alert. The blaze stood at 0% containment as of 2 p.m. It is located near Burro Canyon Shooting Park, according to Cal Fire's coordinates.
Burro Fire evacuations
An evacuation warning is in place for zone LAC-E169, Cal Fire said.
USA TODAY Network reporters Ani Gasparyan and Daniella Segura contributed to this story.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].