Firefighters gain ground on Sandy fire after overnight air assault

Overnight Aviation Support Helps Firefighters Contain Growing Blaze

The Sandy Fire that erupted Monday morning in Simi Valley has been successfully contained after burning 2,183 acres and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate from their homes, according to the Thousand Oaks Acorn. The blaze, which ultimately achieved 100% containment, threatened neighborhoods across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, including areas near Newbury Park.

Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner reported during a Tuesday morning briefing that more than 750 firefighters had gained significant ground on the fire through coordinated nighttime helicopter operations and aggressive ground attacks. "The fire is a long way from being controlled," Gardner said at the time, "We've got it pulled into the box and now we're getting the box filled around it."

Air Quality Concerns Impact Newbury Park Residents

The fire's proximity to populated areas generated serious air quality concerns for Central Coast communities. Newbury Park was among the cities impacted by smoke from the blaze, along with Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura, according to the City of Simi Valley.

Ventura County Air Quality Control District issued an Air Quality Watch due to potential unhealthy conditions caused by smoke. Local residents were advised to monitor the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for real-time air quality conditions throughout the incident.

Schools Closed, Emergency Shelters Activated

Simi Valley Unified School District closed all campuses through the Memorial Day holiday, with schools reopening Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The closures affected not only Simi Valley schools but also had regional impacts as families throughout the 805 area monitored the situation.

Emergency shelters were established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park and the Ventura County Fairgrounds to accommodate evacuated residents and their animals. These facilities were demobilized on May 21 after four days of operation.

Cause Under Investigation as Firefighters Scale Down Operations

Fire officials continue investigating the cause, though reports suggest the blaze may have started when someone hit a rock with a tractor while clearing brush near Rudolph Drive around 10:17 a.m. Monday. "There has been conflicting information on the source of the fire," Gardner said. "The cause is under investigation until we have a firm and complete rock-solid case."

The fire ultimately destroyed one home on Trickling Brook Court and threatened nearly 8,000 structures at its peak. Gardner credited residents' preparation with defensible space and quick evacuation compliance for minimizing losses. "We had 7,800 homes in the footprint of that fire and we lost one," he said.

Federal Support Secured as Region Returns to Normal

California Governor Gavin Newsom secured federal firefighting funds through a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help reimburse suppression costs. The financial support enabled sustained operations throughout the multi-day incident.

All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, though residents are advised to remain cautious around the burn area and watch for ongoing firefighting equipment. Approximately 55 firefighters remained assigned to final mop-up operations as of the most recent update, using infrared drone technology to identify underground hotspots and ensure complete extinguishment.

The incident highlighted the region's vulnerability to wind-driven fires during dry conditions, particularly in areas where urban development meets wildland terrain. Fire officials noted that no flames crossed into the nearby Santa Susana Field Laboratory property, though air quality monitoring continues in that area as a precaution.