Simi Valley Brush Fire Forces Evacuations as Blaze Expands

A brush fire in Simi Valley, named the Sandy Fire, began about 10:50 a.m. and has scorched roughly 180 acres with 0% containment, prompting evacuations in parts of Simi Valley and extending toward Thousand Oaks. Ventura County opened a temporary evacuation point and animal shelters; about 200 firefighters are on scene with three air tankers and six helicopters as east Santa Ana winds up to 25 mph drive spread, while schools indoors due to smoke and poor air quality.