Sandy Fire in Simi Valley: More than 1,300 acres scorched, evacuations expanded

Residents in the San Fernando Valley are seeing smoke on Monday night as crews continue to battle the Sandy Fire burning in Simi Valley.

While the fire is burning in Ventura County, evacuation warnings have been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth as the wind drives the flames and smoke toward the valley.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement saying, "At this time, we do not expect the wildfire to reach the City of Los Angeles."

"Out of an abundance of caution, LAFD has prepositioned resources in the San Fernando Valley and an Evacuation Warning has been issued for portions of West Hills and Chatsworth. Under an Evacuation Warning, residents are not required to leave immediately but are encouraged to be alert and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen and an Evacuation Order is issued," the statement continued. "Residents in the San Fernando Valley may experience smoke this evening as it is carried in from the Sandy Fire."

The Sandy Fire has grown to more than 1,300 acres as evacuation orders and warnings have expanded.

Impacted residents can find more details on Cal Fire's website.

The following zones are under an evacuation order:

• Simi Valley 32

• Simi Valley 33

• Simi Valley 34

• Simi Valley 35

• MEIC-01

• BURR-01

• BELL-01

• BELL-02

• BELL-04

• BELL-05

• CHES-01

• SASU-01

• SASU-02

The following zones are under an evacuation warning:

• Simi Valley 31

• TOAK-06

• TOAK-07

• BELL-03

• BOXC-02

• BOX-03

Los Angeles County:

• WTH-U045

• HID-C501

• AGO-C304

• CAL-C401

• LAC-WOOLSEY

• LAC-LAKEMANOR

• CSB-U024

• MTV-U048

• LFD-U405

• LFD-0469

• LFD-0343

• LFD-0295

• LFD-0471

AIR7 video shows an aerial view of the one property destroyed by the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on Monday.

AIR7 video shows an aerial view of the one property destroyed by the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on Monday.

The house that was destroyed is at the top of the cul-de-sac. Neighbors told Eyewitness News they began to notice something was wrong around 10 a.m. They said the wind was so strong, it could push you over.

The fire came up the hillside, destroying the first house at the top of the cul-de-sac on Trickling Brook Court.

Firefighters were able to contain the flames to one structure.

Still, the blaze rages on as winds change directions. Thousands of residents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are under evacuation warnings and orders.

At least one home has burned and thousands are under evacuation orders and warnings due to the Sandy Fire. Eyewitness News caught up with some of the neighbors impacted by the wind-driven wildfire burning in Simi Valley.

At least one home has burned and thousands of people are under evacuation orders and warnings as the Sandy Fire burns in Simi Valley.

When the Sandy Fire began to rip through the Simi Valley brush and headed toward homes, many residents headed to their garden hoses.

"The fire's in back of us. It's coming down the hill, and it's going to come back up. There's a couple firefighters up on the hill with some big hoses, should we get flare-up, so we're hoping to keep the flames from coming up the mountain," said Brent Richter.

Unfortunately, one home fell victim to the fire. Firefighters were unable to save the house on Trickling Brook Court.

Neighbors say the fast-moving flames snuck up on them.

"I was inside cleaning the house, and I opened the slider to take trash outside, and ashes and... it just came very fast. It's faster than usual," another neighbor told Eyewitness News.

Thousands of residents are under evacuation orders, but not everyone is willing to leave.

The part of Simi Valley impacted is a big equestrian community, with stables in most backyards.

Alex Hoffmaster sped home from work to evacuate his two horses but decided to stick around to keep an eye on the fire.

"This was an evacuation area, but I felt safe enough to stay. I just wanted to kind of see how bad it was and protect the house at all costs, then evacuate at the last possible minute," Hoffmaster said.

Firefighters say the direction of the wind has changed, and that's good for the homes on Rocking Horse Drive. By 6 p.m., the wind was blowing toward the San Fernando Valley.