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Wildfires rage in southern California, forcing mass evacuations
Two large wildfires are spreading across southern California, with satellite images revealing the extent of the blazes as firefighters struggle to contain them. Over 13,500 homes have been evacuated, and thousands more are under warning.
Sandy Fire: Simi Valley blaze grows to 1,364 acres
The Sandy Fire erupted Monday morning in Simi Valley, northwest of Los Angeles, California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed. Satellite images captured around noon local time showed a massive smoke plume rising south of the city.
By Tuesday morning, 750 firefighters were battling the flames, supported by helicopters dropping water on hotspots overnight. Fire officials reported no containment as the blaze spread across 1,364 acres (550 hectares).
Simi Valley police said the fire likely started when a tractor struck a rock, according to CBS News. High winds on Monday initially fueled the flames before easing later in the day.
More than 10,000 homes in Simi Valley and nearby areas have been evacuated, while another 3,500 remain under warning, extending into Los Angeles County. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city itself is not expected to be affected but issued warnings as a precaution.
Simi Valley Unified School District canceled classes at all campuses on Tuesday.
Santa Rosa Island fire burns 14,600 acres of national park
A second wildfire, burning on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Los Angeles, has scorched 14,600 acres (6,000 hectares) of Channel Islands National Park, the U.S. National Park Service reported. The fire, first detected Friday, remains uncontained as of Monday evening.
At least 70 firefighters and park rangers are fighting the blaze. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a 67-year-old man from the island's shore, CBS News said. NASA's wildfire monitoring platform shows the fire moving northeast over the weekend, now spreading inland.
Santa Rosa Island, one of five Channel Islands, is largely uninhabited but hosts a unique ecosystem of rare plants and animals.
Recent history of devastating wildfires
Southern California has faced severe wildfires in recent years. In January 2025, fast-moving blazes near Los Angeles killed 30 people and destroyed over 10,000 homes.
Firefighting efforts continue amid challenging conditions
Fire crews are working around the clock, but containment remains elusive for both fires. Officials warn that shifting winds and dry conditions could worsen the situation in the coming days.
