Thousands ordered to evacuate as Southern California wildfire threatens homes

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate Monday as a wind-driven wildfire threatened suburban homes in Southern California.

The Sandy Fire was reported around 10 a.m. in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

By mid-afternoon, more than 500 acres (200 hectares) of dry brush had been consumed and at least one home had been damaged, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Fire spokesman Scott Dettorre said the flames were sparked by morning winds that reached 30 mph but subsided later in the day.

“As the sun sets, the winds will die down,” Dettorre said.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for many neighborhoods in Simi Valley, with a population of more than 125 thousand, which were covered in smoke due to helicopters dropping water. Dettorre did not know exactly how many people were ordered to leave.

It was stated that the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, located on a hillside a few miles away, was closed throughout the day due to the fire.

The reason is being investigated.

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 15-square-mile (39-square-kilometer) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, the second-largest of the Channel Islands 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.

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