Simi Valley, California – Ventura County firefighters continued battling the Sandy Fire south of Simi Valley as the wildfire rapidly expanded and evacuation zones widened.

Officials initially reported the fire at approximately 184 acres with 200 firefighters assigned to the incident. Crews were supported by three air tankers and six helicopters carrying out aggressive aerial suppression operations alongside ground teams.

Evacuations were underway with four evacuation orders and three evacuation warnings issued as firefighters fought the blaze from both the air and the ground.

Authorities later confirmed that Ventura County firefighters and mutual aid partners continued suppression efforts as updated sensor aircraft data mapped the fire at 1,364 acres.

Evacuation warnings and orders were expanded toward the southeast as the wildfire continued spreading.

Officials urged residents to monitor emergency updates regarding evacuations, school closures, and evacuation locations.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download