A fast-moving wildfire tearing through Simi Valley on Monday triggered widespread evacuations, destroyed at least one home, and threatened hundreds more as firefighters raced to contain the rapidly growing Sandy Fire.

The blaze erupted just before 11 a.m. near the 600 block of Sandy Avenue, initially reported as a brush fire before powerful winds pushed flames aggressively through dry vegetation and toward residential neighborhoods.

Within just 30 minutes, the fire had already exploded to nearly 200 acres. By Tuesday afternoon, it had surged past 1,400 acres with 5% containment, according to Ventura County fire officials.

Authorities said at least one home was reduced to ashes, while multiple structures suffered damage as flames swept dangerously close to populated areas.

Investigators believe the fire may have started when a tractor clearing brush struck a rock, creating sparks that ignited the dry landscape.

More than 200 firefighters from Ventura County, LA County and CAL FIRE raced to the scene — dumping water from above.

“Fire personnel are currently on scene of a fast-moving brush fire originating in the area of Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley. The fire is currently estimated at 184 acres and threatening structures. Evacuation Orders and Warnings have been issued for the area,” an alert said.

As the fire intensified, Ventura County officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for Simi Valley zones 32, 33, 34 and 35, while neighboring zones remained under evacuation warnings.

Residents scrambled to flee as thick smoke blanketed the area and emergency alerts urged immediate action.

Evacuation centers were established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park for displaced residents, while large animals were relocated to Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, located near the advancing fire, shut down operations as a precaution amid growing concerns over the fire’s proximity.

Firefighters launched an aggressive air and ground assault, deploying approximately 500 personnel, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and hand crews to battle the inferno under difficult conditions.

Officials said gusty winds significantly fueled the blaze, complicating suppression efforts and increasing the threat to surrounding homes and infrastructure.

Schools in affected areas enacted emergency precautions, while road closures and traffic disruptions spread across sections of Simi Valley as first responders worked to secure evacuation routes.

Ventura County emergency officials urged residents to monitor updates closely and obey evacuation orders without delay, warning that fire conditions could shift rapidly.

Though weather forecasts suggested winds might ease later Monday, fire crews remained braced for continued volatility.

Simi Valley is the third largest of Ventura County’s 10 cities, according to the city council’s website — with an estimated population of 126,380. The region is approximately 42 square miles in area and is 37 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Officials stressed the cause remains under active investigation.

This is a developing story.