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Residing in Los Angeles, the mere thought of yet another catastrophic wildfire is something I dread. Recently, I visited the heavily damaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood to capture a photo essay for RedState, and witnessing the devastation firsthand was truly heartbreaking.
Back in January 2025, the tragic Palisades and Eaton fires in the LA area claimed 12 lives and obliterated 7,149 structures, leaving a lasting scar on the community.
Sadly, on Monday, a rapidly spreading blaze erupted in Simi Valley, a city located about 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County. So far, the fire has engulfed over 200 acres, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders. The visuals emerging from the scene are deeply unsettling.
Here’s the latest information:
BREAKING: Sandy Fire Raging in Simi Valley
A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Sandy Fire has erupted in Simi Valley, forcing evacuations and burning multiple structures.
Fire has grown to 184 acres and growing, currently 0% contained
200 firefighters on scene battling the blaze pic.twitter.com/ydCcFHSijp— TaraBull (@TaraBull) May 18, 2026
Here’s what we know:
The Sandy Fire broke out around 10:50 a.m. in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue and has exploded to at least 180 acres. It’s 0% contained as of 11:30 a.m..
At least 200 firefighters are on the scene, including from Ventura County, L.A. County and CAL FIRE. They’re actively engaged in structure defense efforts, including dropping water and coordinating with ground resources to try to bring control lines in and around the fire before it spreads into the thicker vegetation in the Simi Hills.
There have been no reports of any injuries at this time.
🚨 UPDATE: The Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California has been EVACUATED as this brush fire explodes
Almost 200 acres have been burned, and at least one home is on fire.
Pray firefighters get a quick handle on this 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/7tAKC6dZtZ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 18, 2026