Wind-driven fire triggers evacuations in Simi Valley; at least 1 home burned

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A brush fire in Simi Valley moved into a neighborhood and burned at least one home and another structure after igniting Monday morning.The Sandy fire broke out before 11 a.m.and was being driven by the wind.

It covered some 184 acres Monday morning and triggered evacuation orders for a wide swath of homes in southern Simi Valley, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.Evacuation warnings also stretched west into northern Thousand Oaks.

The fire was 0% contained as of early Monday afternoon.Dry Santa Ana winds were expected to continue until around 4 p.m., then shift to onshore winds that would ease by the evening.“So far we’ve seen anywhere between 25 to 35 mph gusts in the valleys, and up to 40 mph on the ridge tops,” said Devin Black, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, of the conditions in Simi Valley.

“Through Tuesday, we’re expecting warm and dry conditions.”Another round of slightly weaker offshore winds, expected to top out around 30 mph, was forecast around daybreak Tuesday, Black said.Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said his department had sent resources to aid in the firefight in Simi Valley, and said they are closely monitoring its proximity to Westlake Village.He said his crews are also responding Monday to a small fire north of Glendora.Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver.

You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy such as personalizing your experience and ads.Follow UsTerry Castleman is a data reporter on the Fast Break Desk ...