Sandy Fire Forces Evacuation of Over 10,000 Homes in Southern California
The Sandy Fire, which ignited Monday morning near Simi Valley, California, has burned through nearly 1,400 acres as of Tuesday morning. The fire remains 0% contained, driven by winds exceeding 30 mph. Over 10,000 homes in Simi Valley and nearby communities, including Bell Canyon and Santa Susana, are under mandatory evacuation orders, affecting approximately 24,000 residents. An additional 3,500 homes are under evacuation warnings. Firefighters, supported by night-flying helicopters, are working to contain the blaze. California Governor Gavin Newsom has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to support firefighting efforts. No injuries have been reported, but one home has been damaged. Schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District are closed as a precaution.