Fire officials said the blaze had spread to over 180 acres shortly before noon.
LOS ANGELES -- A fast-growing brush fire ignited Monday morning in Southern California, prompting evacuation orders and damaging at least one home. The fire was reported just after 10 a.m. in Simi Valley, a city in Ventura County about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The blaze had spread to over 180 acres shortly before noon, according to Scott Dettorre, spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department. Aerial footage from local TV stations showed at least one home on fire. Fire officials did not provide an exact count. Multiple helicopters could be seen performing water drops over the blaze, while mass clouds of gray smoke blanketed the neighborhood.
Some residents in the southern part of Simi Valley were ordered to evacuate. The city has a population of more than 125,000 people. A firefighter hops over a fence while battling the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. Crews were scrambling to keep flames from moving down slopes into the suburban neighborhoods of Thousand Oaks.
A National Weather Service advisory warning of winds 20 to 30 mph was issued for the area until 3 p.m.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Critical fire weather persists in Southern CaliforniaDusty winds and dry conditions are keeping fire crews on alert across Southern California.
Read more »
Fast-moving Sandy Fire burns 184 acres in Southern California, forcing evacuations in Simi Valley areaA fast-moving brush fire called the Sandy Fire prompted evacuation orders in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, burning an estimated 184 acres on Monday.
Read more »
Evacuations ordered as fast-moving brush fire threatens Simi Valley homesThe fire has grown to over 180 acres, authorities said.
Read more »
Fast-growing brush fire in Southern California threatens homesA fast-growing brush fire in Southern California has prompted evacuation orders and damaged at least one home.
Read more »