A fast-moving brush fire known as the Sandy Fire burns in the hills above Simi Valley in Southern California, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents. The fire ignites late Monday morning near Simi Valley, roughly 30–40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and spreads rapidly amid strong winds. Multiple outlets cite gusts in the range of 35 mph (about 56 km/h), which drive the blaze through dry brush. State and local fire officials report expanding acreage as crews work to contain the flames. Reported fire size varies by timing across outlets: some cite about 184 acres and others cite roughly 720 acres or around 1,364 acres as of Monday evening or by Tuesday, along with minimal or limited containment at those points. Evacuation orders affect neighborhoods including areas of Simi Valley and nearby Thousand Oaks, with figures ranging from more than 17,000 to more than 23,000 people under orders in different reports. Several outlets also report property damage, including at least one home destroyed and other structures affected. Firefighting resources include hundreds of firefighters, and officials describe containment as low during the initial spread.