Updated as of 4:09 p.m. PT on May 19, 2026
Firefighters continue battling the Sandy Fire burning near Simi Valley in Ventura County as shifting winds and dangerous terrain complicate containment efforts across Southern California.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the wildfire has burned approximately 1,386 acres and remains only 5% contained, according to the latest update from CAL FIRE.
The fire began Monday near Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley and spread rapidly through dry vegetation fueled by Santa Ana winds. Overnight conditions allowed firefighters to slow the fire’s growth, but officials warned Tuesday afternoon that winds could intensify again and push flames into new areas.
More than 750 firefighters from local and state agencies remain assigned to the incident, supported by helicopters conducting water drops and aircraft laying retardant lines around threatened neighborhoods.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for portions of Simi Valley, Bell Canyon, Santa Susana, Cheseboro, and Burro Flats. Additional evacuation warnings continue for nearby areas in both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Some evacuation zones were lifted Tuesday after crews made progress overnight, allowing limited repopulation efforts to begin.
Officials confirmed at least one home has been destroyed. Damage assessment teams continue surveying affected neighborhoods while firefighters monitor hotspots around residential hillsides.
Authorities also issued ongoing air quality advisories across parts of Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, Calabasas, Malibu, and surrounding communities due to thick smoke drifting across the region. Health officials are urging residents — especially children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions — to stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Ventura County emergency officials stated Tuesday that the fire had not impacted the nearby Santa Susana Field Laboratory site as of the latest afternoon update.
All Simi Valley Unified School District schools remained closed Tuesday because of evacuation zones and hazardous smoke conditions. Emergency shelters and animal evacuation centers remain open for displaced residents.
The cause of the Sandy Fire remains under investigation. Preliminary reports cited by local media indicated investigators were looking into whether equipment or machinery may have sparked the blaze, though no official determination has been made.
