Sandy Fire in Simi Valley reaches full containment
Containment grows for SoCal wildfires
Firefighters continue to make progress as they continue to battle the Sandy Fire, Bain Fire, and Verona Fire.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - Crews reached full containment after the wind-driven Sandy Fire erupted earlier in May 2026.
What we know:
Ventura County Fire officials said the Sandy Fire was reported around 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, near Sycamore Park.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sandy Fire in Simi Valley destroys home, forces thousands to evacuate
Residents who called 911 to report the blaze said they initially thought it was a barbecue.
Hear from the residents who reported the Simi Valley fire
FOX 11's Christina Gonzalez spoke to the two people who first called 911 to report what became the Sandy Fire.
During the initial stages of the fire, it erupted from nearly 200 to 720 acres as crews battled the flames in challenging conditions that included strong winds, low humidity levels and warm temperatures.
At last check, the fire had burned 2,183 acres and was eventually 100% contained.
"A small portion of uncontained fire line remains on the southern section of the fire, which can be seen on the attached map. Firefighters continue using infrared drones during nighttime operations to identify remaining hotspots. During the day, crews hike into rugged terrain to locate, expose, and fully extinguish those pockets of heat," officials said Wednesday, May 27.
Authorities confirmed one home was destroyed by the flames, with neighbors and officials saying the home belonged to a retired couple who lived there for decades.
"Despite the incredible work that the firefighters did to protect homes in this neighborhood, we really feel for the residents that lost everything here," a Ventura County Fire spokesperson said.
Man reacts to neighbor losing home in Simin Valley fire
A Simi Valley resident provided an emotional interview after learning his neighbors lost their home in the Sandy Fire.
EVACUATIONS
All evacuation orders have since been downgraded.
The following evacuation warnings were in effect before eventually being lifted:
- BURR-01A
- MEIC-01
- SIMI-32A
- SIMI-34B
- SIMI-35
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVACUATION WARNINGS
EVACUATION SHELTERS
An emergency shelter has been established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.
Small animal shelters are open at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter and Camarillo Animal Shelter.
For large animals, residents are encouraged to contact Ventura County Animal Services at 805-388-4341.
ROAD CLOSURES
- Bell Canyon Road is closed in both directions from Overland Drive
- Katherine Road at railroad tracks
- Clear Springs Road from Santa Susana Pass Road to Katherine Road
- Oak Knolls Road at Southern Oaks Avenue
- Crinklaw Lane
- Santa Susana Pass Road at railroad tracks
- Santa Susana Pass Road at Box Canyon Road
Newsom sends additional resources to Simi Valley
Dig deeper:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has secured assistance from FEMA.
"California is mobilizing resources to support Ventura County communities threatened by the Sandy Fire. This activation will ensure responders have the support needed to continue protecting lives and homes as dangerous fire conditions persist. We are deeply grateful to the crews on the front lines and urge Californians in impacted areas to follow guidance from local officials," an official statement read.
What we don't know:
The official cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Source: This story was written with information from the Ventura County Fire Department.