The Sandy Fire continued to burn in the hills above Simi Valley on Thursday, with updated evacuation orders and warnings still in place across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Fire officials reported the blaze at 2,115 acres and 30% containment as of May 21, according to CAL FIRE and Ventura County Fire Department updates. Crews said improved humidity and lighter winds helped slow fire growth, though shifting conditions remain a concern.
Evacuation orders remain active for several neighborhoods and open‑space areas. Ventura County zones under mandatory evacuation include BELL‑01, BELL‑02, BELL‑03, BELL‑04, BELL‑05, BURR‑01, CHES‑01, MEIC‑01, SASU‑01, SASHU‑02, and Simi Valley zones 27, 28, 32‑A, 34, and 35. Los Angeles County zones under order include Simi Valley 33, 32a, and 35, according to ABC7’s evacuation map.
Additional areas still under evacuation order include homes between Tapo Canyon Road, East Los Angeles Avenue, and Yosemite Avenue, as well as neighborhoods south of the railroad tracks between Yosemite Avenue and Box Canyon Road. Large portions of mountain open space between Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley also remain closed due to active fire activity.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for Ventura County zones BOXC‑02, BOXC‑03, Simi Valley 32‑C, and Simi Valley 33‑A. Los Angeles County warnings include AGO‑C304, CAL‑C401, CSB‑U024, HID‑C501, LAC‑LAKEMANOR, LAC‑WOODLSEY, LFD‑0295, LFD‑0343, LFD‑0405, LFD‑0469, LFD‑0471, MTV‑U048, and WTH‑U045.
More than 1,100 firefighters are assigned to the incident, focusing on strengthening containment lines and protecting homes along the fire’s southern and western edges. Officials said crews are continuing mop‑up operations behind residential areas to prevent flare‑ups. Weather forecasts show temperatures in the low 80s with rising humidity later in the day and winds shifting west‑southwest by evening.
Shelters remain open for residents and animals. Rancho Santa Susana Community Park continues to serve as the primary evacuation shelter. Small animal shelters are operating at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter and Camarillo Animal Shelter, while large animals are being accepted at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Simi Valley Unified School District announced that all campuses will remain closed through the end of the week due to ongoing fire activity and air quality concerns.
Officials continue to urge residents in warning zones to remain prepared to leave if conditions change. Firefighters noted that while containment is improving, the fire is still burning in rugged terrain with the potential for shifting winds to push embers toward neighborhoods.
Sources
ABC7
Ventura County Star
CAL FIRE
KCLU