SIMI VALLEY, CA – A trio of major wildfires burning across Ventura and Riverside counties has scorched thousands of acres this week, triggering massive evacuations and forcing widespread school closures ahead of the holiday weekend.
Sandy Fire Shuts Down Simi Valley Schools
The Sandy Fire, which erupted Monday in Simi Valley, has grown to approximately 2,140 acres with containment at 40 percent. Firefighters reported intense overnight activity as flames made uphill runs through steep, rugged terrain.
At least one home has been destroyed. In response to the ongoing threat and heavy smoke, the Simi Valley Unified School District has closed all schools for the remainder of the week, with classes set to resume after Memorial Day on Tuesday.
- Potential Cause: While under official investigation, police noted a report that sparks from a tractor clearing brush may have ignited the blaze.
Riverside County: Bain and Verona Fires
Further inland, two separate blazes continue to threaten communities in Riverside County:
- Bain Fire (Jurupa Valley): This fire has burned nearly 1,500 acres north of Jurupa Valley and is currently 60 percent contained. Evacuation orders remain active, and a care and reception center has been established at the Skyview Event Center on Wineville Avenue.
- Verona Fire (Homeland): Located in Homeland, this blaze has consumed nearly 650 acres and stands at 45 percent containment. Evacuation warnings remain in place for surrounding neighborhoods.
Air Quality Alert Issued Across Region
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has issued an air quality alert for portions of Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. Smoke from these three blazes, combined with the massive 16,942-acre Santa Rosa Island Fire, has blanketed the region in thick ash and haze.
Air quality in areas adjacent to the Sandy Fire is expected to reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Official Health & Safety Guidance
Local environmental and health officials are urging residents within the smoke plume to take immediate precautions:
- Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors tightly closed.
- AC Settings: Run air conditioning or air purifiers. Avoid swamp coolers or whole-house fans that draw in outside air.
- Limit Activity: Avoid vigorous outdoor physical exercise.
- Protection: If you must go outside, use a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator.
