OAN Staff Addie Davis
8:34 AM – Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The “Sandy Fire” in Simi Valley, California, is at 5% containment and currently estimated at 1,385 acres, as of just before 8:00 a.m. PST, Tuesday, according to Ventura County (VC) Emergency.
“Firefighters continue working toward full containment while public safety personnel are coordinating efforts to repopulate evacuated areas throughout the day,” VC Emergency stated.
Trending: ‘There Are No Words’: 6th Grader Dies on School Trip
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) reported that firefighters made progress overnight, and little fire growth was observed. It reiterated that evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect as crews continue working “to provide structure protection and strengthen containment around the fire perimeter.”
![CORRECTION / A Fire Department helicopter drops water on the Sandy Fire as it burns in the hills near a residential area in Simi Valley, California on May 18, 2026. A brush fire broke out May 18 in the suburbs of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly and prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for thousands of residents. Dubbed the Sandy Fire, the blaze broke out late morning in Simi Valley, a city of roughly 125,000 residents about 40 miles (60 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP via Getty Images) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Apu GOMES has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [May 18] instead of [May 15]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require."](https://dailytruthreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GettyImages-2276477560-800x534-1.jpg)
Overnight, helicopters conducted water-dropping operations amid favorable weather and cooler temperatures. According to Cal FIRE, firefighters are preparing for forecasted winds that are expected to increase later in the morning. They are also being positioned to address any potential flare-ups and to help limit further growth of the flames.
At an update provided before 10:00 p.m. on Monday, the department said 750 firefighters were assigned to the blaze and were building containment lines around it.
The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) announced on Monday that the state had secured federal assistance through a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help with the “Sandy Fire” response efforts.
The FMAG, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will assist agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs.
The governor’s office explained the fire ignited after 10:00 a.m. on Monday near Sandy Avenue in Ventura County, forcing the evacuation of thousands of homes.
“As we continue to mobilize resources to protect communities, I urge Californians in impacted areas to follow guidance from local officials,” Newsom posted to X on Monday night.
A number of evacuation orders are still in effect in several zones in the area, as well as evacuation warnings, including in Los Angeles County. VE Emergency also provided information on the evacuation orders that had been lifted.
Additionally, VE Emergency stated that parents of students of the Simi Valley Unified School District were notified that all schools and campuses would be closed on Tuesday.
The Ventura County Public Health Department also warned residents about unhealthy air quality related to the fire.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!