Simi Valley, California — More than 17,000 people were issued evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday, as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.
the Wind-driven Sandy fire It was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles (five square kilometers) of dry brush and At least one house was destroyedAccording to the Ventura County Fire Department.
Department spokesman Andrew Dodd said the fire was initially sparked by wind gusts exceeding 30 mph (48 kph), but calm winds helped firefighters through the night.
“We have made a lot of progress against this fire thanks to improved weather conditions,” Dodd said. He added that crews hope to make more progress before the winds intensify again.
The fire was contained by 5%. The cause is under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect in several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people that is blanketed in smoke when planes drop water.
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile (59-square-kilometre) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, 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.
There was no containment as of Tuesday morning.
A popular camping and hiking destination, Santa Rosa is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.