California wildfire threatens homes, thousands evacuate

More than 17,000 people are under evacuation orders in Southern California as fire threatens suburban homes.

The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

As of Tuesday morning, more than five square miles of dry brush had been consumed and at least one home had been destroyed, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Department spokesman Andrew Dowd said the flames were initially pushed by winds in excess of 30 mph, but calmer winds helped firefighters throughout the night.

“We have made a lot of progress against this fire thanks to improving weather conditions,” Dowd said. The crew said they hope to make more progress before winds pick up again.

The fire was 5 percent under control. The reason is being investigated.

Evacuation orders and warnings were still in effect for many neighborhoods in Simi Valley, where more than 125,000 people live, shrouded in smoke from planes dropping water.

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a blaze of 60 square kilometers per square kilometer on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Southern California. The fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.

There were no restrictions as of Tuesday morning.

A popular spot for camping and hiking, Santa Rosa is home to island foxes, spotted skunks, and seals.