More Than 17,000 Under Evacuation Orders as Southern California Wildfire Threatens Homes

Matt and Kim Brantley bring firefighters snacks and refreshments with their kids during wildfires, in Simi Valley, Calif., on May 19, 2026. Caroline Brehman/AP Photo

SIMI VALLEY, Calif.—More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.

The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.