Sandy Fire Slows Overnight in Simi Valley, Containment Reaches 5%
The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley, California, has burned 1,386 acres as of Tuesday morning, with containment now at 5%, according to firefighting officials. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds overnight helped slow the fire's growth, which had forced the evacuation of up to 28,000 residents. By Tuesday morning, evacuation orders had been reduced to 17,000 people. The fire, which began Monday morning near Sandy Avenue, was fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds reaching 25-35 mph in the valleys and up to 40 mph on ridge tops. Tuesday's forecast predicts slightly warmer and drier conditions, with high temperatures between 83°F and 86°F (28°C-30°C) and humidity levels of 8%-12%. Winds are expected to shift from northeast offshore to southwesterly onshore around 3 p.m., potentially causing erratic fire behavior. 
