Sandy Fire crews brace for increasing wind as blaze remains uncontained

The Sandy Fire continued to burn in Ventura County Tuesday, with worries that heightened winds could spread the blaze farther.

Cal Fire gave an update at 6 a.m. Tuesday, saying firefighters had made “significant progress” with “very little” fire growth overnight.

“Helicopters were able to conduct water dropping operations throughout the night, taking advantage of the more favorable weather conditions and cooler temperatures,” the update said.

“Firefighters are now preparing for forecasted winds expected to increase later this morning and are being strategically positioned around the incident to quickly address any potential flare-ups and help limit further fire growth.”

The fire has spread to about 1,385 acres in size, with containment at 0% as of Tuesday morning.

Evacuation orders have been issued for portions of Simi Valley, Bell Canyon and Santa Susana. Parts of Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Agoura Hills are under an evacuation warning.

Residents of Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley should expect to see impacts from the fire, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson said.

“Residents across the San Fernando Valley, including West Hills and Chatsworth, should expect to see and smell smoke this evening. Winds are carrying smoke from the Sandy Fire into Los Angeles, and air quality may be impacted. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory conditions, stay indoors, keep windows closed, and limit outdoor activity,” spokesperson Jamie Stewart said.

A total of 750 firefighters were battling the blaze, and officials were optimistic it would be contained.

“We have made tremendous progress on this fire,” Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd told KTLA. “Zero percent containment, don’t let that number fool you. A lot of great work has been done.”

No injuries had been reported but at least one home was destroyed in the blaze. The fire is currently threatening hundreds of homes in the lower Simi Valley.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said late Monday that the state had received federal assistance from FEMA to fight the fire.

“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,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to the crews on the front lines and urge Californians in impacted areas to follow guidance from local officials.”